L1 Flashcards
What is the main legislation relating to ownership and use of firearms in the UK?
Firearms Act 1968
This legislation was amended in 1988 and 1997 due to incidents involving criminal use of legally held firearms.
What are the consequences of the amendments made to the Firearms Act?
Only persons with a genuine requirement can obtain a licence/certificate and ownership of certain firearms capable of rapid fire is prohibited
These amendments aimed to enhance safety and control over firearm possession.
List some means by which firearms are illegally obtained.
- Armed forces personnel bringing weapons from conflict zones as souvenirs
- Underworld trade in illegal weapons
- Para-military organisations
- Stolen legal firearms
These illegal firearms can contribute to criminal activities.
What safety aspect must be complied with when handling firearms?
Safety precautions must be followed
Define firearms.
Weapons that expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
Define ammunition.
The material fired, scattered, dropped, or detonated from any weapon.
Describe shotguns.
Firearms designed to be fired from the shoulder and are typically used to fire shells containing multiple projectiles.
What is an air weapon?
A firearm that uses compressed air or gas to fire projectiles.
Describe rifles.
Firearms designed for accurate shooting, typically with a long barrel and rifled bore.
What is the relevance of component parts of firearms?
They are essential for the functionality and safety of the firearm.
What are firearms accessories?
Items that enhance the use, safety, or storage of firearms.
What type of weapons are classed as prohibited weapons?
Certain firearms capable of rapid fire and those specified by law
Prohibited weapons include machine guns and other firearms that do not meet legal criteria.
What is the paramount importance when dealing with firearm enquiries?
The safety of yourself and others
This emphasizes the need for caution in all circumstances.
What should an officer allow the owner of a weapon to do during a routine firearm enquiry?
Break (open) the weapon and prove it is unloaded
This should only be done if the officer believes it is safe.
What should an officer do if they find themselves in circumstances that dictate extreme caution?
Contact the area control room for appropriate response
Your safety and the safety of those around you is paramount.
What should you do if immediate danger is present?
Withdraw from immediate danger and await support from an armed response unit
Maintain discreet observations and report back to your controller if safe.
True or False: Cover from view means cover from fire.
False
If you can see the subject, you are likely to be in their range of fire.
What is the role of the initial responder in incidents involving firearms?
Gathering and provision of information to armed officers and firearms commanders
Armed officers may wish to speak to first responders prior to deployment.
What should unarmed officers consider when working alongside armed officers?
How they could be identified in the event of having an overt role
This includes wearing high visibility clothing.
What might firearms officers direct attendees to do regarding high visibility clothing?
Remove it
High visibility clothing may attract the attention of the subject.
What is equally important for armed and unarmed officers in situations involving firearms?
Ballistic protection
Appropriate ballistic protection should be considered.
How should unarmed officers approach a firearm incident?
With caution, utilizing as much ballistic protection as possible
Examples include engine blocks and substantial stone walls.
What is the purpose of the initial presence of unarmed officers at a firearm incident?
To confirm or negate the presence of a firearm
This is dictated by the Initial Tactical Firearms Commander.
What guidance should be broadcast prior to a safe approach to an incident area?
Stay Safe guidance
This is important for ensuring the safety of all involved.
Fill in the blank: Officers must ______ about the safety of the public and their own safety.
STAY SAFE
This is a key principle in responding to firearm incidents.
What does SEE stand for in the context of a firearms incident?
What is happening and where
It involves assessing identity, description, behavior, and potential vulnerability of individuals involved.
What key factors should be considered when identifying a Vulnerable Person (VP)?
- Emotional state
- Intoxication
- Mental illness
- Other factors
- Known to Police
What should be communicated to the Initial Tactical Firearms Commander (ITFC)?
Accurate description and a clear picture of the incident and types of weapons involved
This is part of the TELL phase.
What does the ACT phase emphasize in a firearms incident?
Stay safe, update personnel and Control Room, keep observations and contain
It advises against unnecessary approaches to the scene.
What is crucial to consider before approaching a firearms incident?
Your own safety and a dynamic risk assessment of the dangers
The focus may shift to the first responder.
Who is authorized to make safe a firearm in police possession?
Only Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO’s), ballistic personnel, or other suitably trained personnel
They must follow their training protocols.
What should you do if you find a firearm but are not trained to handle it?
DO NOT TOUCH IT. Leave it in situ and wait for appropriately trained staff
Protect the area until help arrives.
What is the purpose of the National Decision Model in firearms incidents?
To guide decision-making processes during incidents
It is a foundational framework for police responses.
What is being trained in A and N Divisions regarding firearms handling?
Firearms Enquiry Officers are being trained to make weapons safe due to geographical challenges
This training is for response or community officers with enhanced training.
True or False: Only personnel who have completed the armed policing making weapons safe module can handle firearms safely.
True
Authorization and training are critical for safe handling.
Fill in the blank: The first response to a potential firearms incident is covered more fully within the _______ input provided by firearms officers.
[Firearms Awareness]
This training is essential for effective initial response.
What does a green label indicate when attached to a firearm?
The firearm has been made safe and can be transported without a ballistic bag.
What does a red label signify when attached to a firearm?
The weapon cannot be made safe and must be transported in a ballistic bag.
What must be done with weapons labelled red after seizing?
They must be placed in secure storage and not handled further until made safe by an AFO.
True or False: A red label should be attached to the trigger guard of a firearm.
False
What is the first general safety consideration when handling a weapon?
Always treat a weapon as being a genuine firearm until proven otherwise.
What should you avoid doing when handling a weapon?
Avoid touching the trigger or dropping the weapon.
How should a weapon be laid down when not in use?
Always lay the weapon flat on the ground.
What should never be pointed at a person?
A weapon, loaded or otherwise.
What equipment should be used when transporting firearms?
Ballistic bags.
What should you do if you see firearms around your office?
Do not allow your curiosity to draw you or your colleagues to the firearms.
What is the definition of a firearm under the Firearms Act 1968?
A lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged.
Fill in the blank: A firearm includes any ‘________’ weapon, whether lethal barrelled or not.
prohibited
What are considered ‘component parts’ of a firearm?
Any relevant component part of a lethal or prohibited weapon.
What is an accessory to a firearm as defined by the Firearms Act?
An accessory designed or adapted to diminish the sound or flash caused by firing the weapon.
What does the term ‘lethal’ refer to in the context of weapons?
The weapon must be capable of causing death or serious injury and must have a barrel to discharge a missile.
Lethal weapons must not be merely toys.
What are improvised firearms commonly known as?
Slam guns or one pop stops.
These can be made from materials like table legs and piping.
What is the definition of ammunition?
Ammunition includes any ammunition for any firearm, grenades, bombs, and similar items, whether capable of use with a firearm or not.
This definition encompasses a wide range of explosive and projectile devices.
What is a common misconception about firearms in the community?
The vast majority of people, including police officers, have never handled or used a firearm.
This highlights the general unfamiliarity with firearms among the public.
What are rifles categorized under in the Firearms Act?
Section 1 Firearms Act 1968.
This classification pertains to high-powered, high-velocity weapons.
What distinguishes rifles from one another?
The calibre (internal diameter of the barrel) of the weapon.
Calibre is crucial for determining the type and power of the rifle.
What is ‘rifling’ in the context of rifles?
Rifling refers to the spiral groove cut into the barrel that spins the bullet for improved accuracy.
This design stabilizes the bullet as it travels.
Fill in the blank: Improvised firearms can be made from _______.
table legs, piping, etc.
True or False: All firearms are used legally in the community.
False.
Some individuals possess firearms illegally.
What is the primary function of rifling in a barrel?
To stabilize the bullet and improve accuracy.
This is essential for long-distance shooting.
How are the relative sizes of shotguns measured?
By bore or gauge
What indicates the size of a rifle?
Calibre - the diameter of the bullet it fires
What is the calibre of a rifle that fires a bullet 22 of an inch in diameter?
.22
List some examples of firearms.
- PAVA
- Shotgun
- Silencer
- Rifle
- Air Weapon
- Handgun
- Submachine gun
- Starting Pistol
- Sawn-off shotgun
What is the definition of a shotgun?
A smooth bore gun, not being an air weapon, with specific characteristics
What is the minimum barrel length of a shotgun according to the Firearms Act 1968?
Not less than 24 inches
What is the maximum bore diameter of a shotgun?
Not exceeding 2 inches
What is the maximum number of cartridges a shotgun magazine can hold?
Not more than two cartridges
Fill in the blank: A shotgun must have a barrel length of _______ inches.
24
Fill in the blank: A shotgun barrel bore must not exceed _______ inches in diameter.
2
What are the three basic forms of modern sporting shotguns?
- Single barrel
- Pump
- Semi-automatic
How many cartridges can a single barrel pump or semi-automatic shotgun hold at any time?
Up to three cartridges
True or False: Those shotguns capable of firing more than three shots are subject to much stricter controls.
True
What is the traditional ‘game gun’ configuration?
Double-barrel side-by-side
This gun allows one shot to be fired from each barrel before reloading.
Which shotgun configuration is the most common type in use?
Double-barrel over-and-under
This is a more modern barrel configuration.
How are shotguns classified?
‘Bore’ or ‘gauge’
This classification measures the diameter of the barrel.
Define an ‘Air Weapon’ under Section 1 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.
An air rifle, air gun, or air pistol that does not fall within Section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968
It includes component parts and accessories designed to reduce noise.
What is the maximum kinetic energy for an air rifle and air pistol under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015?
12ft per pound for air rifle, 6ft per pound for air pistol
This energy must be verified through ballistic examination.
What is a relevant component part of a firearm?
Any part essential for firing the firearm
These parts can be carried individually and assembled into a working lethal weapon.
True or False: Double-barrel shotguns have a magazine.
False
Both double-barrel configurations mentioned do not have a magazine.
Fill in the blank: The diameter of the barrel in shotguns is measured by __________.
‘bore’ or ‘gauge’
This classification determines the size and type of shotgun.
What is an example of an accessory that is not controlled by the Firearms Act?
A telescopic sight
Accessories not designed to diminish sound or flash are not considered firearms under the act.
Which accessories are included in the definition of a firearm?
Accessories designed or adapted to diminish sound or flash
These accessories could be used in a criminal context.
What are prohibited weapons according to Section 5(1) of the Firearms Act 1968?
Weapons deemed too dangerous or easily used for criminal activities
Possession of these weapons is an offense and generally requires no attainable certificate or license.
List examples of firearms designed or adapted for continuous fire.
- Machine guns
- Sub-machine guns
- Burst fire weapons
Even if converted back to single shot operation, these remain prohibited.
What types of rifles are considered prohibited due to rapid fire capability?
Most rifles capable of rapid fire
Example includes assault rifles and pump action rifles, excluding those of .22 calibre.
What characterizes prohibited shotguns under the Firearms Act?
Shotguns capable of rapid fire and easy to conceal
Example includes sawn off shotguns and rapid fire shotguns.
What is an example of a firearm disguised as another object?
- Umbrella guns
- Pen pistols
- Puzzle guns
- Walking stick guns
Such firearms are prohibited due to their deceptive nature.
What is defined as any rocket launcher or other projecting apparatus for military use?
Any rocket launcher or other projecting apparatus for use with explosive rockets for military use.
What type of air weapons are prohibited under the specified legislation?
Any air weapons that use the self-contained gas cartridge system, which are vulnerable to conversion.
What is the barrel length limit for firearms to be classified under certain regulations?
Less than 30 cm.
What is the overall length limit for firearms to be classified under certain regulations?
Less than 60 cm.
Which types of weapons are excluded from the length restrictions in the legislation?
Most air weapons or ‘paintball guns’.
What are examples of weapons designed to discharge noxious substances?
- PAVA
- CS
- Tear gas aerosols
- Tranquiliser guns
- Electrical stun guns
Are cattle prods or squeezy bottles filled with noxious liquid considered prohibited weapons?
No, they are not prohibited since they are not designed or adapted as weapons.
What types of certificates regulate firearm ownership in Scotland?
- Firearms
- Shotgun
- Air Weapon certificates
What discretion do the police have regarding firearm certificate applications?
The police have wide discretion in considering applications for these certificates.
What specific information can be included in firearms certificates?
- Identification numbers of guns
- Descriptions of guns
- Number of guns allowed
What input will you receive in firearms licensing and certification at Divisional Training level?
An input in firearms licensing and certification if deemed appropriate to your area of operational responsibility.
Who should you contact for firearms licensing enquiries?
Specific Firearms Licensing Officers in geographical divisions.
True or False: Weapons such as revolvers and pistols can still be acquired by criminals despite being prohibited since 1997.
True
