Tackling firearms licensing delays is a top priority for Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion with local communities beginning to feel the benefits of this focus.
With the second highest number of shotgun and firearms holders in the country, legal firearms are part of the way of life for many in rural communities across West Mercia.
Hearing and acting on concerns raised by those communities, the PCC has continued to shine a light on the experiences of residents facing delays by scrutinising the performance of the Firearms Licensing Unit and providing significant resources to deliver change.
The results of this support, challenge and investment have seen considerable improvements in the number of grant applications completed in 2024, when compared to 2023, with a 55% increase for shotguns and 37% increase for firearms.
There has been a reduction in the overall backlog as well as quicker servicing of newer cases following the recruitment of additional Inspectors and the delivery of a new operating model.
Part of the PCC’s £460,000 investment has enabled additional Firearms Enquiry Officers to be recruited taking the team from nine to fourteen. With more than quarter of a million pounds funding additional marked and unmarked vehicles, supporting officers to undertake home and business visits more efficiently.
However, the PCC is demanding the government outlines its position with no reference in the latest budget on whether the licence fee will increase to maintain improvements.
PCC John Campion said: “As the voice of the public in policing, I heard loud and clear the concerns of local communities across West Mercia about the delays they were facing.
“I promised change and I am delivering on that commitment whilst maintaining a focus on public safety. However, the long-term picture is unclear with the government failing to outline its position on the licence fee.
“I made a substantial investment into the Unit, and that funding is making a difference. But it was made with the view that the government would make the right decision to increase the licence fee and allocate that funding back into firearms licensing to sustain long-term improvements.”
The cost of the licence fee currently does not cover the costs to West Mercia Police.
Picture shows: PCC John Campion joined by West Mercia Police at a firearms licensing Community Conversation in Hereford in 2023.
