Essential Knowledge

This article outlines the evolving approach to home visit assessments for firearms licensing. It explains how the process has become more structured and detailed under statutory guidance and updated professional practices. This is particularly relevant in light of the update to Statutory Guidance in August 2025.

The assessment now covers various factors, including security, criminal and medical history, and the home environment. It emphasizes the importance of trust, honesty, and maintaining composure during interactions with Firearms Enquiry Officers (FEOs).

Overall, it aims to prepare applicants for a more comprehensive review process while maintaining fairness and professionalism.

This article outlines key principles for firearm security and their importance. Statutory Guidance to Police is clear that certificates should not be granted if security arrangements are inadequate. It highlights common misinterpretations by licensing authorities, stressing the difference between mandatory and advisory security measures.

It references key areas of The Firearms Security Manual and provides practical recommendations including; cabinet placement, key security, transportation considerations, and strategies to mitigate theft risks.

Provides a concise overview of suitability assessments in UK firearms licensing, emphasizing the evolving role of Firearms Enquiry Officers (FEOs). It traces the origins of national training for FEOs back to a 1993 HMIC inspection and the post-Dunblane Inquiry (1997), highlighting how suitability has properly become the central consideration in licensing decisions.

Key points include:

• New FEO guidance:
• Definition of suitability:
• Factors affecting suitability:
• Security
• Home environment
• Competency
• Criminality
• Medical considerations

The document warns that Police Forces may overcorrect after years of minimal guidance, leading to potentially excessive scrutiny.

It serves as a practical reference for Certificate Holders preparing for stricter assessments.