Police Commissioner gets firearms licensing wrong

[Rab]

Noooo http://basc.org.uk/blog/press-releases/ ... ing-wrong/

[bradaz11]

about time our national bodies said it

[Egg on Leggs1]

Before they get equality they should have to prove they are equal.

[Christel]

Well said BASC, refreshing isn't it

[dromia]

I always though people were certified to have firearms, that is why we have a firearms certificate rather than a license.

[artiglio]

Ms.Barnes is an unfunny joke, a quick Google will throw up all manner of stories about her, off top of my head.

Unable to explain what her role is during a TV documentary.
Poor choice of young persons "ambassador "
Questionable situation regarding vehicle insurance.

A complete waste of resources.

[Polchraine]

Her blog and the comments attached make interesting reading:

http://kent-pcc.gov.uk/home.php?entry_id=1455619452

[tisme]

4 months for a variation, section 7s now automaticly given out when a renewal is asked for and new fac holders over a year. She needs sacking

[Sim G]

I live in Kent. I have a spare barrel waiting in a gun shop for me to pick up. Twice it has not been added to my certificate when submitted for variation. it is infuriating but I've decided to just hang on before I send my ticket back in again... The staff in the dept are literally swamped. The volume of work that comes with 27000 certificate holders is huge. there is but a slack handful of them after the swathing cuts that has seen Kent police lose somewhere in the region of 500 constables and over 1000 support staff. Close to 25% of their workforce. I know the firearms licensing dept are sickened by the poor service that they even struggle to provide, It is not how they wish to do their job...

Ann Barnes on the other hand..... well, it would be inappropriate for me to comment.

[artiglio]

I too live in kent, echoing Sim's comments the firearm department staff I've dealt with have been unfailingly helpful and apologetic. Varaitions are apparently the bane of their lives in the shear quantity they receive. The advice from my FEO is too apply well in advance and try to cover expected needs for the forseeable future, based on this i've had no real incovenience and a polite enquiry when deadlines are approaching often results in speedy resolution, all down to amenable staff.
Ms.Barnes may perhaps achieve more by taking an active interest in how the sysytem could be improved, then taking part in the legislative review,rather than whining.
It would be interesting to know the cost to the public purse incurred dealing with her "media disasters" as well as the embarrassment it heaps upon Kent police along with loss of public support/trust. Combined with her direct costs, I'm sure this fund at least an officer or two , I certainly know which i would prefer.