ACC Tim Metcalfe, NPCC Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, has highlighted significant progress in tackling the criminal use of firearms through collaboration with key stakeholders and agencies.
Reflecting on recent months, Metcalfe praised the collaborative efforts of organisations including the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Home Office, the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS), Border Force, and the Ministry of Defence. He described the joint approach as having a “genuine and tangible” impact on reducing threats to public safety.
“The portfolio is well supported by regional leads within policing who ensure we are serving those on the front line, enabling them to effectively pursue and prosecute the procurement, conversion and use of firearms by criminals,” said Metcalfe.
A notable achievement has been the improvement in the submission and recovery of ballistic material used in crimes. Through the establishment of a Regional Assurance Process, a five-year national tasking under section 5 of the Crime and Courts Act has successfully reduced the Submissions Lag from 58% in 2022 to 7%, and the Recovery Gap from 47% to 5%.
Targeting blank-firing pistols
One of the most pressing challenges identified is the conversion of blank-firing pistols into lethal weapons. This issue has been addressed under Project SERGEANCY, an initiative involving the Home Office, Border Force, and police forces across the UK.
The NCA recently conducted forensic examinations of several brands of top-venting blank firearms. The findings confirmed that these firearms, due to their construction methods, are readily convertible into lethal-barrelled weapons, making them prohibited under section 1(6) of the Firearms Act 1982.
As a result:
- Importers have agreed to cease importing these firearms.
- Border Force has halted further deliveries to disrupt supply.
- A communications campaign is underway to inform the public about the status of these weapons.
- NABIS will lead a national amnesty for the weapons starting on 3 February 2025.
Metcalfe expressed confidence that this strategy will significantly reduce the threat posed by such weapons.
Sustained commitment
Metcalfe emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in combating the criminal use of firearms. “With the continued commitment of our stakeholders, we will continue to engage proactively and collaboratively with the threats posed by the criminal use of firearms,” he said.
The progress achieved underlines the effectiveness of a multi-agency approach in addressing complex challenges and safeguarding public safety.
If you notice attempts at firearms, ammunition and component acquisition that could be used for the purposes of supporting serious and organised crime please contact FIR@nca.gov.uk.
You can read the full January 2025 issue below:
