Firearms licensing guidance – have your say

We're seeking feedback on updated guidance we've produced for firearms licensing. The public consultation closes on 10 March 2023.

Authorised Professional Practice (APP) is the official source of professional practice for policing. Firearms licensing legislation and processes are in place to keep people safe by controlling who has access to firearms.

What's changed?

These updates have been made following the introduction of new statutory guidance provided by the Home Office in 2021 and ahead of the full Coroner’s inquest into the Plymouth shootings due to begin on 16 January.

The updated guidance has been developed with public safety as the priority and with the aim of providing a fair, transparent and consistent service to the public. The APP has no role in relation to charging for licences but advises forces on:

• strategic planning, resourcing, and performance of firearms licensing teams
• the roles and responsibilities of those within policing who work on firearms licensing
• the firearms licensing suitability assessment processes and procedures

Have your say

Chief constables as well as officers and staff who work within force firearms licensing departments are encouraged to share their views on the updated APP. We also welcome feedback from people across policing and law enforcement, and from members of the public.

Our consultation closes on Friday 10 March 2023 at 11:59pm.