Firearms Flashcards
What is the definition of a Firearm?
A lethal barrelled weapon from which a shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged, including prohibited weapons, component parts, and accessories designed to diminish noise or flash.
Firearms Act 1968, s.57.
What are the key types of firearms as per the legislation?
- Section 1 Firearms
- Section 2 Shotguns
- Section 5 Prohibited Weapons
What is a Section 1 Firearm?
Any firearm except for a shotgun that meets specific criteria regarding barrel length and magazine capacity.
Firearms Act 1968, s.1.
What is required to possess a Section 1 firearm?
A firearm certificate is required to possess, purchase, or acquire a Section 1 firearm or ammunition.
Firearms Act 1968, s.1.
What defines a Section 2 Shotgun?
A smooth bore gun with a barrel length not less than 24 inches and a bore not exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
Firearms Act 1968, s.2.
How often must a Firearm Certificate be renewed?
Every five years.
What is an Imitation Firearm?
Anything which has the appearance of being a firearm, regardless of whether it can discharge a missile.
Firearms Act 1968, s. 57(4).
What constitutes a Prohibited Weapon under Section 5?
- Fully automatic weapons
- Semi-automatic rifles
- Handguns
- Disguised firearms
- Noxious liquid discharging weapons
What is the penalty for possession of a firearm with intent to injure?
Indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a fine.
Firearms Act 1968, s.16.
What does ‘possession’ mean in the context of firearm offences?
Possession is wide in meaning, implying control and not necessarily being on the person at the time.
Firearms Act 1968, s.16, 16A, 17(2).
What must a constable have to stop and search a person under the Firearms Act?
Reasonable cause to suspect the person has a firearm or is committing an offence under sections 18 or 20 of the Firearms Act.
Firearms Act 1968, s.47.
What is the process for applying for a Firearms or Shotgun Licence?
Application to local police, home checks, and medical records verification are required.
Firearms Act 1968, s.27.
What is the definition of a ‘Realistic Imitation Firearm’?
An imitation firearm indistinguishable from a real firearm and not de-activated or an antique.
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, s.38.
What does the term ‘Trespass’ refer to in relation to firearms?
Entering or being in a building or on land as a trespasser while possessing a firearm or imitation firearm.
Firearms Act 1968, s.20.
What is the maximum penalty for having a firearm in a public place without lawful authority?
Summary: maximum 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: maximum 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine.
Firearms Act 1968, s.19.
What is the significance of the serial number on a Firearm Certificate?
It includes the serial number and description of every firearm and the amount of ammunition held.
What must be done if a certificated firearms holder is involved in an incident?
All weapons held by the certificate holder should be seized immediately.
Control room must be notified.
What is the definition of a Component Part of a firearm?
- Firing pin
- Trigger mechanism
- Barrel
- Bolt mechanism (for bolt action rifles)
True or False: You need a license to possess shotgun ammunition.
False.
Fill in the blank: A person commits an offence if they have a firearm in a _______ place without lawful authority.
public
What is the legal consequence of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence?
Indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Firearms Act 1968, s.16A.
What assistance is needed for incidents involving a certificate holder?
ARV assistance
ARV stands for Armed Response Vehicle.
What must be switched on for any incident involving a certificate holder?
BWV
BWV stands for Body Worn Video.
How should a firearm involved in an offence be handled at the scene?
Do not touch it
It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of the evidence.
Who should be liaised with to view the firearm at the scene?
CSI / SOCO
CSI stands for Crime Scene Investigation and SOCO stands for Scene of Crime Officer.
What is required to make the weapon safe before removal from the scene?
An ARV is required
This is to ensure safety during the handling of firearms.
What should be done after viewing the firearm at the scene?
Correctly package and store at Police premises
Proper packaging and storage are essential for evidence retention.
Whom should you liaise with regarding who will seize and exhibit the firearm?
Liaise with CSI / SOCO
They will provide guidance on the proper procedures.
What should be done if necessary regarding communication with the team?
Liaise with Supervisor and Force Control Room
Effective communication is key in operational situations.
Fill in the blank: For firearms licensing, further reading can be found in the _______.
College of Policing (2016)
This document covers major investigations and public protection.
What is the title of the guide published by the Home Office in 2022?
Guide on firearms licensing law
This guide provides detailed information on firearms law for police.
True or False: The Violent Crime Reduction Act was published in 2006.
True
This act addresses issues related to violent crime and firearms.
What is the Firearms Act’s year of establishment?
1968
This act governs the ownership and licensing of firearms in the UK.
What is the purpose of the NABIS visual aid?
To assist in understanding gun crime
NABIS stands for National Ballistics Intelligence Service.
Fill in the blank: The CPS legal guidance on firearms was published in _______.
2021
CPS stands for Crown Prosecution Service.
