Information about Firearm Licences

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.022626

I note you seek access to the following information:

Is it possible to check just the 15 files from 2020 onwards please? (11 in 2020 / 4 in 2021).

I understand that it is not in an easily retrievable format and other forces have said the same. The reasons for the original revocation are often things such as motoring offences, domestic violence, unsafe storage of ammunition etc.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Please note:
1. The original FOIA requests details a list of reasons as to why a Firearms Certificate might be revoked. These are found within the Statutory Guidance at point 3.25. It should be noted that these are not the only factors that could be considered and there are further lists found at points 3.8, 3.9 and 3.28. In total there are approximately 30 factors described which could demonstrate concerns for public safety.

2. This information is a significant summary of the circumstances involved and often there will be multiple reasons for the original removal of firearms.

3. That in 6 of these cases the returns of firearms were as a result of successful appeal of Police decision at Court.

In these 15 cases the original reason for revocation can be summarised as follows:

7 – Suspected involvement in criminal offences
2 – Suspected substance misuse
1 – Suspected involvement in Domestic Abuse
2 – Firearm Storage (Improper or otherwise inadequate)