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Understanding what the police hold about you on the Police National Computer (PNC) is one of the simplest ways to approach a firearms licensing application with confidence. This article explains how a free Subject Access Request (SAR) from the Criminal Records Office (ACRO) allows applicants to view their own PNC record, check for accuracy, and address any issues before applying.

The subject of policing Social Media and the wider internet has frequently caused public concern. The mainstream press seems full of examples which seem grossly out of proportion with what people would expect to be a productive use of police time.

A recent report which has caused concern amongst the shooting community is the case of Jon Richelieu-Booth with headlines like:

Man arrested in the UK for posing with gun in the US

 

Reports of this case can be found through an internet search or by visiting this link to the piece in the Metro –

https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/03/man-arrested-in-the-uk-for-posing-with-gun-in-the-us-plans-to-sue-the-police-25097070/

This article takes you through the history behind Social Media checks in firearms licensing and gives some practical advice on how to ensure online activity doesn’t impact on your shooting activities.

The firearms licensing regime is based on trust and confidence between police and Certificate Holders. A substantial portion of that confidence comes from the police’s ability to review an applicant’s past behaviour and reassure themselves that this is likely to indicate responsible behaviour going forward.

In an ideal world information and intelligence relating to criminality might be shared freely between law enforcement organisations. But we are not there yet.

It’s therefore not unreasonably that police might expect additional reassurance from applicants who have spent considerable time outside the UK.

Temporary Permits were intended to bridge short gaps not excuse systemic delays. Yet thousands are left in limbo, unable to renew or purchase, and expected to pay for secure storage. When the system stalls, fairness shouldn’t be the first casualty