Who ELSE knows where your guns are stored?

[Polchraine]

Can you imagine the reaction of your firearms licensing department if you told a perfect stranger that you had guns at home, then gave him your name and address? I suggest that they would be VERY unhappy with you for this breach of security.

Well, it seems that some firearms licensing departments are doing this for us.

We have been told that the Met, Sussex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and West Yorkshire Police (and perhaps others) are sending letters to your doctor's surgery to tell them when you have a certificate granted or renewed.
This means that doctors, receptionists, nurses, practice managers, clerks, cleaners etc in your surgery will have access to the information that you have guns at home, and will know your name and address.

Worse, the letter states that "this means that they [the certificate holder] may have more or less immediate access to firearms and ammunition." As you can imagine his statement is guaranteed to cause concern amongst those who have little or no knowledge of our sport.

Did the police tell you they were going to do this? did you give your permission for them to do this? I think not.

There is a world of difference in your allowing your GP to give information to the police should they need it, (you sign to allow that on the application form) and the police giving information to the surgery - you didn't sign up for that.

You might be interested in The Information Commuissioner's Office

If you've renewed recently, why not ask your doctor ?

http://psa.bizhosting.com/whats_new.html

I have just returned from the surgery. I spoke with the practice manager and made it very clear that I had no complaints about any of the staff and have full confidence in them to maintain confidentiality.

He had not heard of it happening but does know that occasionally they receive requests for medical reports. He is going to:

1. Check through my records to see if they have received any notification from the police and even if they have asked for any medical reports.

2. Ask the three GPs if they are aware of any information coming from the police about individuals.

3. Call me in few days to let me know what he has found.