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Isle Of Wight Police's Firearms License Policy After Plymouth Shootings

Photo Sky News (c).

The Isle of Wight's Police and Crime Commissioner has outlined Hampshire Constabulary's policy when it comes to issuing firearms licenses.

It follows a major incident in Plymouth, which saw six people killed by gunman Jake Davison, 22, last week.

Three-year-old Sophie Martyn and her father Lee were among those who lost their lives in the shooting.

It was later revealed that, as he was a licensed firearms holder, Davison was legally allowed to carry a gun.

Donna Jones, who was elected PCC for the Hampshire and the Island in May, has sought to assure Islanders concerned about gun safety.

She said it is a requirement of the Island's police force that a GP reference is provided before a firearms license is issued.

She called on GPs to respond to applications when they are requested:

“Following the tragic incident in Plymouth, my thoughts remain with the families of those who died and the police officers who were first on the scene. This cannot and must not happen again.

“Hampshire Constabulary require a GP reference to be included when firearms licences are made, before issuing or processing gun licences.  Previously when GP references were requested after an application was processed, very few GPs responded. The point of the reference is to assess a person’s suitability to own a firearm and enable any mental health issues to be considered.

“Furthermore, if someone in possession of a firearm licence seeks help and support from their GP for any mental health related issue, their GP is obliged to report the mental health issue to Hampshire Constabulary’s Firearms unit for revocation of the licence. By insisting on a GP reference at the point of application, Hampshire Constabulary has built in an additional layer of protection for the public.”

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio in June, PCC Jones promised additional policing staff across the region, but could not say the exact number allocated to the Island. 

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