Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Deferred
We have, however, also heard calls for a dedicated hotline to augment these existing ways...
Conclusion
We have, however, also heard calls for a dedicated hotline to augment these existing ways to contact the police, which people could use to report concerns about firearms owners anonymously. Dr Michael North, a founding member of the Gun Control Network, stated that “it is sometimes very difficult”112 to contact the police using existing helplines. For this reason, Dr North told us that the Gun Control Network has advocated for “a separate hotline for concerns about a gun owner”.113 Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, corroborated this, saying that “there are challenges and strains put on that system [the 101 service]”114, so “Police Scotland would be open to” a hotline which would “enhance firearms licence reporting”.115
Government Response Summary
The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation around creating a new reporting service where members of the public can register concerns about certificate holders. We are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether the existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose.