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I was at an Anti Terrorism and Domestic Extremism meeting a few days ago and we were met by a swarm of young and very efficient PCSO's although I had managed to get in without entering the time next to my signature until a certain Viking grassed me up by pointing at the register and asking how come I was allowed to leave that part blank.

Well it seems I spoke too soon regarding holding on to my FAC until renewal.

It seems that it is a standing order that FAC's will be collected during the renewal visit. This appears to be because someone in Firearms licensing doesn’t like certificate holders having their FAC's while the renewal is going through as we end up having our old and new FAC's in our possession afterwards! I did ask if he wanted my old FAC and SGC from my previous renewal...this was met with silence and then a somewhat stressed, "I don't lnow what happened previously."

Anyway after much discussion he will be collecting my FAC tomorrow - along with the appropriate section of the HO guidance.
This is not something I am entirely happy with but as was made clear to me, he has little choice in the matter (he was really apologetic at this point) and has to take my FAC.

I don't blame the PC as he is clearly just the messenger in this but someone in Police Scotland is making it up as it goes. In any case, I will be informing BASC about this current state of affairs and will post once I get a reply.

Sandgroper wrote:Well it seems I spoke too soon regarding holding on to my FAC until renewal.

It seems that it is a standing order that FAC's will be collected during the renewal visit. This appears to be because someone in Firearms licensing doesn’t like certificate holders having their FAC's while the renewal is going through as we end up having our old and new FAC's in our possession afterwards! I did ask if he wanted my old FAC and SGC from my previous renewal...this was met with silence and then a somewhat stressed, "I don't lnow what happened previously."

Anyway after much discussion he will be collecting my FAC tomorrow - along with the appropriate section of the HO guidance.
This is not something I am entirely happy with but as was made clear to me, he has little choice in the matter (he was really apologetic at this point) and has to take my FAC.

I don't blame the PC as he is clearly just the messenger in this but someone in Police Scotland is making it up as it goes. In any case, I will be informing BASC about this current state of affairs and will post once I get a reply.

Tried the same for my last few one-for-one's
Told them I'd surrender the current FAC on collection of the new amended one. They accepted that.
Club secretary only just reminded me this week that they DO NOT require your FAC for renewals - a photocopy will do.

Hope BASC or someone sorts it out

Yeah, I told him all of that, but it seems that he is caught between being a new FEO, overworked and being told something other than the HO Guidance by his FLD...

We'll see what BASC has to say - e-mail just sent away.

Sandgroper wrote:Yeah, I told him all of that, but it seems that he is caught between being a new FEO, overworked and being told something other than the HO Guidance by his FLD...

We'll see what BASC has to say - e-mail just sent away.

Well Grant, It looks like Sir Stephen doesn't feel obligated to follow the guidance does it?? Not surprising going on his past carry on with Stop & Search and Armed officers walking the streets!

BASC got back to me first thing this morning and said they will be taking it up the the appropriate Inspector ASAP and are pushing "for a consistent approach to applications and renewals across Police Scotland, in line with the HO guidance."

Edit: My FAC wasn't collected today either...

Well, I'm pleased to report that there's at least one FEO in Police Scotland who is doing his job well and has always treated me with courtesy, respect and has handled all equiries efficiently, fairly and to my satisfaction.

I only have one complaint: Why why why must they send FACs etc. by second class mail - my last variation was passed quickly and then took two weeks to come from from the Aberdeen FLO to me in Elgin?

Perhaps adinistrative efficiency will improve once the Aberdeen FLO is absorbed by Inverness which will be implemented soon.

just noticed when filling it out, Herts/Beds police have put on the top of the variation form that my certificate MUST be enclosed with the variation application??

http://www.herts.police.uk/pdf/firearms ... _202_2.pdf

bradaz11 wrote:just noticed when filling it out, Herts/Beds police have put on the top of the variation form that my certificate MUST be enclosed with the variation application??

http://www.herts.police.uk/pdf/firearms ... _202_2.pdf

That is the standard Firearms Form 202 used by all Police Forces nationwide, it's not confined to Herts/Beds.

DW58 wrote:Well, I'm pleased to report that there's at least one FEO in Police Scotland who is doing his job well and has always treated me with courtesy, respect and has handled all equiries efficiently, fairly and to my satisfaction.

I only have one complaint: Why why why must they send FACs etc. by second class mail - my last variation was passed quickly and then took two weeks to come from from the Aberdeen FLO to me in Elgin?

Perhaps adinistrative efficiency will improve once the Aberdeen FLO is absorbed by Inverness which will be implemented soon.

Did he collect your FAC from you, because a mutual acquaintance of ours had his taken by your FEO on his renewal. Also, I know of one person under Inverness who had to surrender his FAC on renewal.