Recommendation 12

Each firearms licence application and renewal is processed by the police force in the applicant’s local area.33 Individuals applying for, and renewing, firearms licences must demonstrate that they are not a “danger to public safety or the peace”34, and that “they require their firearm on a regular, legitimate basis for work, sport or leisure”.35 Individuals must provide character references from two referees36, who must be “of good character”.37 Checks carried out on individuals include background checks on individuals’ financial data and open social media posts38, and home visits by police to ensure that individuals have appropriate secure storage for firearms.39 Other factors considered by police forces include “a request from a partner or family member that the applicant should not hold a certificate”40 and individuals’ criminal records.41 Individuals who have criminal records can apply for firearms licences. Individuals who have received custodial sentences of between three months and three years when convicted may apply for licences five years after release. Individuals who have received a custodial sentence of three years or more are prohibited for life–but the prohibition may be lifted on application to the Crown Court.42 Scotland’s system for firearms licensing