Firearms (Main Page) - Devon and Cornwall Police Firearms

Firearms Licensing

Whether you’re a firearm owner, firearm dealer, shooting club member or planning to travel with firearms, you'll find advice here on using and storing firearms, shotguns and explosives, as well as how to apply for a range of certificates, permits and licences.

Important Licensing Information

Note: The term Firearm includes firearms, shotguns & air weapons

Prohibited Persons

Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968 specifies conditions that prohibit certain persons from having in their possession a firearm or ammunition after conviction.

A person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three months or more but less than three years (including youth custody or detention in a young offenders institution), shall not at have a firearm or ammunition in his possession at any time during the period of five years from the date of his release.
A person who has been sentenced to custody for life, or to preventive detention, imprisonment or corrective training (including youth custody or detention in a young offenders institution), for a term of three years or more, shall not have a firearm or ammunition in his possession for life.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act 2014 extended these conditions.

From 14 July 2014, where a person receives a suspended sentence of three months or more;
They shall not have a firearm or ammunition in his possession at any time during the period of five years beginning with the second day after the date on which the sentence was passed.
(This timescale has been set so that a person who is in possession of a firearm or ammunition is not in immediate breach of the law when the sentence is passed and has an opportunity to make arrangements to transfer or dispose of their firearm or ammunition)
A person who received a suspended sentence before 14 July 2014 and already has a firearm certificate they will be able to retain their firearm and ammunition for the duration of their certificate.
At the point of expiry they will not be granted a renewal of their certificate or permitted retain their firearms and ammunition until after the five year period from the second day after sentencing.

This page explains the support available to you, and the responsibilities you have, if you are struggling with your mental health. If you’re a firearms certificate holder, you may worry about saying you are not feeling OK. We handle every concern in a supportive and understanding way. Don’t be afraid to seek help – it is the right thing to do for you, your family, friends and community.

It's more common than you think

1 in 4 people are likely to experience low mood, poor mental health or distress in their lifetime. Open dialogue about how you feel is the most important step to take in dealing with these thoughts. When it comes to their own mental health, members of the shooting community need a positive and open relationship with people close to them. This includes support organisations and networks.

Mental health can affect anyone. It is important to talk this through and seek the help you need. If you are struggling with your mental health, see your GP as soon as possible.

Shooting bodies and various other charities can provide more support. Also, talking or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by professionals. They can help if you’re struggling with feelings of depression, worry, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. In England and Wales, you can refer yourself to talking therapies or your GP can refer you to the right support for you.

Let's all work together

Everyone involved in firearms licensing must work together. We need to clear up concerns, as we handle every matter in a supportive and understanding way.

It is important that you know that you can make a difference in helping to keep everyone safe.

Talking to someone who is experiencing mental health challenges, or opening up about your own can be of huge benefit.

Your responsibility

If you have a certificate, it is important to tell the police about a relevant medical condition. The Home Office firearms licensing statutory guidance describes this. It's the right thing to do, to keep everyone safe.

The role of police firearms licensing teams

The priority for police firearms licensing teams is to ensure public safety. It does not mean that every case of poor mental health will result in the loss of certificates. If the police have to assess any concerns about a certificate holder, they will treat each case on its own with care and balance.

The individual will need support, time and space. The police will need to assess any risk to the certificate holder, the people around them and the wider public. The most appropriate option may be to take control of an individual’s guns, on a temporary basis.

To make an informed decision, the police will gather information and may speak with:

family
friends
referees
employers
shooting organisations

They may write or speak to the person’s GP. This is to confirm any medical diagnosis, how any illness impacts on their life, and how they are coping.

After the police have assessed, they may decide to:

Return the guns to the certificate holder, if appropriate to do so
Store the guns away from the owner's home
Apply conditions to a firearms certificate
Suggest that they surrender their certificates, and apply again when their health improves
Revoke the certificates, if appropriate, and if necessary to ensure public safety