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The only national training course for FEOs I am aware of is that known as the “Dorset course”. Of the 239 FEOs, only 89 had done a nationally recognised course, though this figure includes explosive licensing courses as well as the Dorset course. Seventy-six FEOs had been trained in-house and the largest number, 96, had learned on the job while some had undergone more than one type of training. It seems that Durham is not alone in having insufficiently trained FEOs.

I'm genuinely surprised - despite the horror stories, the firearms licensing people I've dealt with have seemed reasonably competent and had a decent enough working knowledge of firearms, licensing and the law.

I suppose the danger in calling for standardised national training is that the police will immediately twist that into a justification for raising fees.

I've just put in for a variation with Durham on Monday. A new lady (at least to me) emailed with a query which I answered (on Wednesday).
I am wondering if the variation will be quick and easy, or a pain in the rear.
I'll let you know in due course.
Hopefully it won't be the shambles the RFD renewal was!!!

Don't hold you breath, my friend Ian (who you know) just had his FAC renewed, took over a month and a half in total. They even contacted his GP about him being on Codeine painkillers (which you can buy over the counter at any chemist!) and that was over 2 weeks ago, he rang them yesterday and again today and went and picked it up this afternoon.

I managed to get out of the house Weds and took mine in for two free 1 for 1 variations so we'll see how long that takes as well.

phaedra1106 wrote:Don't hold you breath, my friend Ian (who you know) just had his FAC renewed, took over a month and a half in total. They even contacted his GP about him being on Codeine painkillers (which you can buy over the counter at any chemist!) and that was over 2 weeks ago, he rang them yesterday and again today and went and picked it up this afternoon.

How did they know what he was taking unless he told them? Why do people made a rod for their own back, just tell them what you're obliged to and nothing more unless they ask! :cool2:

Big surprise, got my FAC back in the post this morning!.

phaedra1106 wrote:Big surprise, got my FAC back in the post this morning!.

Yes, but they are sick and tired of arguing with you!
Anyway, congrats on the quick result.
It's all gone quiet on my front, but you never know what is going on in the background though!

You may be right, just went to put it away and noticed the post date on the envelope, they posted it back Thursday so a one day turnaround!.

Impressed! :goodjob:

Its just your applications they put at the bottom of the pile, bound to be personal.

Ah, now I understand!