Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant strides in enhancing its firearms licensing since the tragic Keyham shooting in 2021, according to a review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Despite these improvements, concerns persist regarding a backlog of licenses and the improper use of temporary permits. This review was initiated by the Home Secretary in April 2023 to evaluate the force's progress in implementing recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the coroner's report on preventing future deaths.
Improvements in Firearms Licensing
These actions align with four out of five recommendations from the IOPC
Inspectors noted several positive changes implemented by Devon and Cornwall Police to enhance their assessment of individuals’ suitability to own firearms.
These changes include the establishment of a new management structure, increased staffing in the firearms licensing department, and extensive training for officers and staff.
These actions align with four out of five recommendations from the IOPC, and the force has shown significant progress in addressing comments from the coroner.
Constructive Dialog and Disagreements
The inspectorate reported that the force is engaged in meaningful discussions with the IOPC, particularly regarding the wording of an outstanding recommendation related to guidance for evidence review officers.
Inspectors are satisfied with the force's justifications for its disagreements, while highlighting ongoing challenges, such as a backlog in license applications due to inefficient processes and outdated IT systems.
Concerns Over Temporary Permits
An area of concern highlighted by HMICFRS is the inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should be reserved for exceptional situations.
The force has been using these permits extensively to manage high volumes
The force has been using these permits extensively to manage high volumes, contrary to statutory guidance. This practice must cease to adhere to regulatory standards.
Wendy Williams, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, commented, “The mass shooting in Plymouth was a tragic event. My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and everyone in the local community who was affected.”
Key improvements across firearms licensing department
Regarding the improvements, she stated, “Since 2021, Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant improvements across its firearms licensing department. However, issues remain with its licenses backlog and misuse of temporary permits. We are pleased the force is in the process of developing a plan to address these issues.”
Williams emphasized the importance of these changes, expressing that, “The changes the force has made are already making a positive impact on its performance and will go a long way to further improving its firearms licensing practices. This is absolutely vital to ensure that gun licenses are issued correctly, thereby protecting the public and reducing the risk of tragic events like the one in Plymouth ever happening again.”
Devon and Cornwall Police has improved its performance in many areas of firearms licensing since the Keyham mass shooting in 2021, though concerns remain over its licences backlog and improper use of temporary permits, the police inspectorate has said.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was commissioned by the Home Secretary in April 2023 to undertake an urgent review of the force’s progress in implementing recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and comments made by the coroner in his prevention of future deaths report.
Positive changes
Inspectors said Devon and Cornwall Police had made positive changes in several areas to improve their ability to assess a person’s suitability to possess firearms, including:
- Introducing a new management structure to ensure senior officers and supervisors are actively involved in the day-to-day management of the unit.
- Investing heavily in its firearms licensing department by increasing the number of posts; and
- Delivering extensive training to officers and staff.
HMICFRS found that the force had implemented four of the five IOPC recommendations and made substantial progress on the comments made by the coroner.
Constructive dialog
They were satisfied that the force is entering into constructive dialog with the IOPC
The inspectorate explained that the force didn’t agree with the wording of the outstanding recommendation, which relates to guidance to evidence review officers.
Inspectors said they were satisfied that the force is entering into constructive dialog with the IOPC, putting forward a strong case for its disagreement.
However, inspectors said they had concerns about the force’s backlog of applications for licenses, which had been caused by inefficient processes, inadequate IT systems and the force not taking legitimate opportunities to reduce demand.
Inappropriate use of temporary permits
HMICFRS also highlighted the force’s inappropriate use of temporary permits, which should only be used in exceptional circumstances. It found temporary permits were being used to help manage volumes, which it said is against statutory guidance and must stop.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Wendy Williams, said: “The mass shooting in Plymouth was a tragic event. My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and everyone in the local community who was affected.”
Devon and Cornwall Police
“Since 2021, Devon and Cornwall Police has made significant improvements across its firearms licensing department. However, issues remain with its licenses backlog and misuse of temporary permits. We are pleased the force is in the process of developing a plan to address these issues,” continued Wendy Williams.
She adds, “The changes the force has made are already making a positive impact on its performance and will go a long way to further improving its firearms licensing practices. This is absolutely vital to ensure that gun licenses are issued correctly, thereby protecting the public and reducing the risk of tragic events like the one in Plymouth ever happening again.”
