OFFICERS from Lancashire Constabulary’s firearms licensing team visited BASC’s head office to find out more about the association and shooting sports.
They were shown around BASC’s Marford Mill offices, near Wrexham, then staff from a number of specialist teams gave presentations.
The officers had the opportunity to put their skills to the test on BASC’s state of the art ST-2 shooting simulator before more serious discussions took place with members of BASC’s firearms team about delays in applications and renewals, attitude to risk and working together to ensure good service to BASC members.
Gary Ashton, BASC’s director of firearms operations, said: “With 43 police forces in England and Wales, it is inevitable that there are varying approaches to firearms licensing matters. The important thing for our members is that we at least have a cordial working relationship with each firearms licensing department so that we can have a professional conversation on behalf of individual members when the need arises to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
“The officers from Lancashire Constabulary were open-minded and receptive to the points we made on behalf of our members and undertook to work closely with us in the future.”
Inspector Graham Marshall, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Spending some quality time with BASC’s firearms team gave us a unique insight into the needs of the shooting community and, both on a professional and personal basis, we all found the day very valuable.
“Firearms licensing is currently under exceptional demand across the country. But by working closely with organisations such as BASC, we can focus on our priority to protect the public and I welcome the opportunity to have an extra ‘critical friend’ to ensure the decisions we make are fair and proportionate.”
