Recommendation 11

Finally, we heard from the Gun Control Network that “[t]he primary weakness in the regulatory system is how the licensing process is conducted”.29 The organisation stated that “the following may have contributed”30 to “failures in the process”31: “Inadequate guidance resulting in, for example, failure to require family and household members or GPs to be consulted about any mental health problems or alcohol /drug abuse. A lack of resources resulting, for example, in failure to make home visits, to follow up public and social media concerns or to integrate police data. A cosy relationship between police and shooters resulting in, for example, a disinclination to follow up family or neighbour concerns”.32 22 Gun Control Network (FLR0020); British Association for Shooting and Conservation (FLR0015) 23 Q57 24 Q92 25 Police Scotland (FLR0011) 26 British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Why firearms licensing must be reformed, accessed 13 September 2022 27 British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Why firearms licensing must be reformed, accessed 13 September 2022 28 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 29 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 30 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 31 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 32 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 8 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland Current requirements for firearms licence applications and renewals