Devon and Cornwall firearms licensing unit to be split from Dorset
It follows a number of issues which have led to delays in licences being given out
The team that gives out gun licences in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset is going to be split up.
The Alliance Firearms, Explosives and Licencing Unit unit is going to be split between the Devon and Cornwall and Dorset forces, after a review and a survey run by the region's police and crime commissioners.
Police say the unit, formed in March 2015 from licensing departments in each force, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the Covid-19 pandemic, changes to statutory guidance and the tragic shooting in Keyham, Plymouth.
These have resulted in delays to the issuing of some firearms licences and shotgun certificates.
"A step forward"
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I would like to thank all those who took the time to give us their views via the survey.
“It gave us a clear indication there was a desire for dedicated firearms licensing units for each force. That allowed me to make a strong representation from the community and align with operational advantages that will drive a better service.”
Work continues to clear overdue licence and certificate renewals and grants.
In response, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard has told us, "The catalogue of catastrophic errors made by police in the lead-up to the tragedy in Keyham and Ford shows we need root and branch reform of our gun laws, and how they're implemented.
"The splitting of the firearms licencing unit is a step forward, but until gun laws are overhauled, and the large backlog in gun applications and renewals dealt with, I'm afraid I still don't have confidence our gun licencing system is keeping our communities safe"