17 August: PCC Donna Jones comments on firearms licensing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, comments on firearms licensing:

“Following the tragic incident in Plymouth, my thoughts remain with the families of those who died and the police officers who were first on the scene. This cannot and must not happen again.

“Hampshire Constabulary require a GP reference to be included when firearms licences are made, before issuing or processing gun licences.  Previously when GP references were requested after an application was processed, very few GPs responded. The point of the reference is to assess a person’s suitability to own a firearm and enable any mental health issues to be considered.

“Furthermore, if someone in possession of a firearm licence seeks help and support from their GP for any mental health related issue, their GP is obliged to report the mental health issue to Hampshire Constabulary’s Firearms unit for revocation of the licence. By insisting on a GP reference at the point of application, Hampshire Constabulary has built in an additional layer of protection for the public.”