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Hi all

Sent off my FAC application to Northumbria police 12 days ago, so far they haven't cashed the cheque - but yesterday they contacted one of my referees, is this the way it normally goes? I expected them to take the money first.

In my area they don't take the money till it is granted, save giving refunds if it is rejected,
they never contacted any of my ref's as the guy that called said they would only tell him
what a dam fine chap I was anyway.
That they have already contacted one of your would give me a bit of confidence they were moving on with it.

Ralph wrote:In my area they don't take the money till it is granted, save giving refunds if it is rejected,

Makes sense, I didn't think of that.

Durham and Northumbria have always cashed the cheques immediately in my experience and then just dealt with the refund after the fact if required. That saves having to keep hold of a physical cheque and lessens the chances of losing it.

However i wouldn't read anything into it, they may have recently adopted a different way of working, they have just got a new manager and she might have changed things up a bit. If you don't hear anything within 8 weeks of sending in the application, give them a call.

I have a date for my visit (next week), so that will be 5 weeks from posting application - cheque still not cashed, so as above Northumbria may have changed their policy.

When they do come out what is the process, is it a full security check of the house room by room or do they just look at the cabinet?

I have two teenage kids whose rooms I have refused to enter for the last year in case I get mauled by whatever wildlife is living in there - if there is a full security check I'm going to have to go into the kids rooms with Napalm to try and sort them out.

CraigH wrote:I have a date for my visit (next week), so that will be 5 weeks from posting application - cheque still not cashed, so as above Northumbria may have changed their policy.

When they do come out what is the process, is it a full security check of the house room by room or do they just look at the cabinet?

I have two teenage kids whose rooms I have refused to enter for the last year in case I get mauled by whatever wildlife is living in there - if there is a full security check I'm going to have to go into the kids rooms with Napalm to try and sort them out.

I can't answer your question but that did make me laugh!!

I'm sure someone wiser than I will be along shortly to answer!

CraigH wrote: When they do come out what is the process, is it a full security check of the house room by room or do they just look at the cabinet?

They will look at the location and fixing of the cabinet and the general security of the house.

They will not search your house for dust devils and dropped socks and will certainly not go room to room unless they think this will have some bearing on your suitability (or lack of) to hold firearms.

Thanks Matnall - I was thinking I might have to advise him to get rabies shots before attending

You're welcome.
Don't worry about it, the visit is normally a formality after they have already made all the background checks, unless you have loads of nazi flags about and start spouting about personal defence you'll be fine.