Paul Quinton joins FirearmsLicensing.Net as a Consultant and Subject Matter Expert, bringing with him more than 21 years of frontline firearms licensing experience with Essex Police, alongside a distinguished earlier military career.
A nationally recognised authority in firearms licensing, Paul is widely respected for his strategic insight, operational leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety, lawful shooting, and countryside advocacy.
Paul’s Career
Paul spent over two decades with Essex Police’s Firearms, Shotgun & Explosives Licensing Department, beginning his career as a Firearms Enquiry Officer and progressing to Deputy Firearms Licensing Manager. During this time, he led on complex and high‑risk suitability assessments, provided specialist internal technical advice, supported the implementation of new legislation, and engaged extensively with national stakeholders and partner agencies.
His leadership was instrumental in transforming Essex Police’s firearms licensing function, overseeing improvements that saw the force rise from the bottom to the top tier of national firearms licensing performance. Paul also played a key role in reinstating and strengthening advisory forums, improving constructive engagement with Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs), shooting clubs, and representative bodies, and fostering a more transparent, collaborative approach to licensing.
Prior to joining Essex Police, Paul served in the British Army from 1981 to 2004, including operational roles as a Coldstream Guards sniper and later as Warrant Officer Class 1 Staff Assistant (Custodial) for the Provost Marshal. His military service included responsibility for high‑level inspections, tri‑service custodial oversight, complex logistics, and contributions to the rewrite of key custodial policy publications.
A decorated marksman, Paul represented the British Army internationally and earned selection for the elite Army 100.
Interests
A lifelong ambassador for lawful shooting and countryside conservation, Paul remains actively involved in shooting syndicates, deer management, and clay sports. He is a CPSA Safety Officer and is passionate about education, proportional regulation, and the promotion of responsible firearms ownership and access.
In his role with Firearms Licensing.net, Paul brings unrivalled practical experience from inside a major police firearms licensing unit. As a consultant and SME, he is committed to supporting forces, organisations, and individuals with pragmatic, evidence‑based advice, helping to raise standards, improve consistency, and strengthen trust across the firearms licensing landscape.
