Dorset leads way with national firearms foundation course

Dorset Police has successfully run a week-long course for firearms enquiry officers (FEOs) – the first of its kind anywhere in the country for many years.

The intensive five-day residential course took place between May 12 and 16 at Force HQ in Dorset, with attendees from as far and wide as Scotland, Northumbria and Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting, who is also chair of the National Firearms and Explosives Licensing Working Group, explained: “In Dorset, we recognised that there was a lack of formal training or any national standards for FEOs. This left it up to individual forces to translate complex legislation.

“We therefore initially developed a course within the force for our own FEOs to undertake. This was such a success in March 2007 that – with the combined efforts of five Dorset FEOs who between them have 80 years experience – we formalised and developed it, resulting in this new national course.”

In addition to classroom instruction, participants engaged in practical training. This included instruction from national firearms trainers who taught the participants about weapon handling and weapon safety.

The group also carried out a practice site survey on privately owned land that was kindly opened up to the instructors and participants to use during the course.

A registered firearms dealer within the county also allowed the students and instructors access to his premises so that they could view his firearms register, look at the security in place and the sale of firearms in practice.

On completion of the course, all participants were presented with a certificate of attendance and the instructors have written to the relevant firearms licensing manager at each participating force to suggest follow-on tasks.

ACC Whiting said: “The course has proven to be a fantastic opportunity for FEOs to gain the skills and confidence to make important decisions and carry out their roles in accordance with the appropriate legislation.

“Feedback received from participants has also been very encouraging, with the vast majority of participants rating the course as ‘excellent’ and indicating that they would be able to transfer the knowledge gained through the course into the workplace.”

Dave Scott, licensing manager from Fife Constabulary, said: “I commend Dorset Police and the instructional staff for their enthusiasm in developing this much needed and appreciated course.”

If you are interested in enrolling in the course, or you would like further details, contact Julian South on 01305 227613 or julian.south@dorset.pnn.police.uk.