As part of its ongoing support for police forces across Scotland, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has hosted a training session for ten members of Police Scotland’s Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) team.
Collaborative approach to firearms licnensing
This session marks the third Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event organised by BASC for Police Scotland and is part of a wider initiative that will continue over the next 18 months. The courses are designed to provide comprehensive training for all newly employed FEOs within the force.
The programme mirrors the training provided by the College of Policing to forces in England and Wales, with BASC collaborating closely with the British Shooting Sports Council to develop a new Firearms Enquiry Officer training scheme, set to be implemented next year.
Practical insights for officers
Superintendent Steven Duncan, head of national firearms and explosives licensing for Police Scotland, expressed his gratitude to BASC for facilitating the CPD event. He noted: “The inputs delivered a really deepened understanding around some of the more technical and practical aspects of shooting and conservation.”
Duncan highlighted the complexity of firearms licensing matters, stating: “Engagement with a wide range of organisations is critical to help us make informed and appropriate decisions. Whilst our own training covers a wide variety of licensing theory, the more ‘hands on’ learning that came from the day helped contextualise aspects of land management and safe and responsible shooting.”
Strengthening relationships
BASC’s Scotland officer, Cameron Balfour, emphasised the importance of the event, saying: “The day provided an opportunity to explain the different types of firearms used in the various shooting disciplines, as well as giving the staff hands-on opportunities to try clay-pigeon and rifle shooting.”
Balfour added that the training session helped to strengthen the already strong relationship between BASC and Police Scotland.
Enhancing firearms licensing expertise
The training initiative reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to improve firearms licensing processes. In England and Wales, a similar nationally-accredited training programme is being implemented across all 43 firearms licensing departments, funded with £500,000 and set to roll out in 2024.
By investing in comprehensive training for FEOs, police forces are better equipped to handle the complexities of firearms licensing, ensuring public safety while supporting responsible shooting practices.
