BASC memorandum to IPCC on Peterlee shootings
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:43 am
http://www.basc.org.uk/en/utilities/doc ... 310D21E1D5
The rest of the document asks some interestering questions regarding the role of Durham Firearms Licencing Team and the suitability of Atherton to hold a SGC and FAC.1) INTRODUCTION
1.0) With some 130,000 members, the British Association for Shooting and
Conservation (BASC) is regarded as the major UK representative body for
sporting shooting. BASC’s expertise on firearms matters is widely recognised
and we are routinely consulted by a variety of government departments and
agencies (including the Home Office, DEFRA, LANTRA, the Health and
Safety Commission) and other statutory and non-statutory bodies, e.g. the
Association of Chief Police Officers.
1.1) BASC is the only shooting association in the UK with a dedicated
Firearms Team. The team is widely recognised as having particular expertise
on all firearms matters – legal, practical and technical – as well as having a
forensic capacity.
1.2) BASC believes that any controls on firearms and related matters must
strike a balance between the legitimate aspirations of firearms users and the
need to ensure the safety of the public. However, such a balance must be
evidence-led, proportionate and consistent with the Human Rights Act 1998.
1.3) BASC welcomes the referral to the IPCC of the Peterlee shootings and
looks forward with interest to the Commission’s findings into the processes
surrounding the grant and subsequent renewals of Michael Atherton’s
certificates.
1.4) BASC makes this submission to the IPCC as a major stakeholder with an
interest in the outcome of any legislative or administrative changes that may
arise from the review of this tragic incident. Our response is also made from
the wider social perspective of wishing to see effective and fair controls
within the firearms licensing process for the preservation of public safety.
1.5) In order to assist the IPCC, this memorandum takes the form of skeleton
arguments. BASC is happy to expand on any aspect of it as well as providing
details of source material. This memorandum is NOT CONFIDENTIAL and
BASC welcomes its wider dissemination as part of the ongoing debate.