BASC seeks recognition of lawful shooting in manual for armed police

12 November 2009

Background

This year there have been several high profile incidents involving heavy-handed treatment of shooters by the police.  In most cases this was because of misunderstandings relating to the legitimate use of firearms.  In one abandoned case, in which the judge awarded full costs back, the defendant’s lawyers called for police to be better trained and informed when dealing with legitimate shooters in the countryside. 

So, when a consultation was launched in September on a Code of Practice for Police Use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons it was a timely opportunity for BASC to seek a change in approach. In a meeting in October with the National Policing Improvement Agency, BASC has recommended changes not only to this code but also to the Manual of Guidance on the Management Command and Deployment of Armed Officers.

Currently there is no mention of the lawful shooter in the manual, which tends to reinforce a belief within the police service that simple possession of a gun automatically implies criminal use of that firearm.  BASC has offered its support in helping address these issues for the benefit of both shooters and the police.

What is BASC doing next?

Once the results of the consultation are published BASC will be following up any remaining concerns, as will the Shooting Times, as part of its Campaign for Common Sense on this issue.  BASC is in the process of revising its advisory leaflet, The Armed Police Officer’s Guide to Shooters with the intention of recirculating it to all police forces as an additional source of information for armed police officers, senior officers  and staff in police control rooms.

FIND OUT MORE FROM MIKE EVELEIGH (for members only)

BASC’s Senior Firearms Officer, Mike Eveleigh, leads on this policy issue for BASC. 
Click here to contact the Firearms Team

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