PSNI must clear up inept firearms application process - Wilson
Ulster Unionist South Antrim Assembly Member, Jim Wilson, has voiced his dismay over firearms application processing, and questioned whether it is now PSNI policy to restrict genuine sportsmen from participating in their chosen discipline.
In a statement, Mr Wilson said: “Shooting is a widespread and popular sport in Northern Ireland. While we are a relatively small nation, we have consistently performed well on the international stage – mostly recently when David Beattie brought a silver medal back from the Commonwealth Games last month.
“Yet the time it takes for our sportspeople to apply and receive a response to firearms applications is plainly ridiculous.
“It’s not unusual for certificates to take up to eight months to process. I know of one case where an individual, who has previously competed internationally for Northern Ireland, will miss an entire season due to the length of time it takes to process their application. Is it really necessary for competitors to wait several months to upgrade or buy new equipment?
“Farmers are also unhappy, as are gun dealers who must wait for months on customers paying for newly purchased firearms.
“Of course there ought to be reliable vetting in place, but the present system verges on the punitive. Exhaustive form-filling and time-consuming procedures are not the way forward. We need to put this kind of convoluted bureaucracy behind us.”
He added: “Plainly this cannot continue. Those legally entitled to own firearms take their responsibilities seriously. The PSNI Chief Constable should state clearly what the problem is. Is it in the guidelines? Or is it in human resources?
“I would urge the PSNI to take immediate steps to resolve the situation – or will they remain wedded to a policy that is unjustly prejudiced against responsible, law-abiding people?”