Emma Ellette and George Pattison
8 Aug 2024 · Coroner Richard Travers · Surrey
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. granting shotgun certificate to applicant with undisclosed medical history
“An applicant for a shotgun certificate is able to obtain medication from an on-line doctor without the knowledge of their GP, giving rise to a risk that a licensing authority might grant a shotgun certificate to an applicant who has a relevant previous medical history about which the authority is not aware.”
2. avoidance of medical disclosure safeguards
“In consulting an on-line doctor, it is possible for an applicant for a shotgun certificate to avoid the current safeguards relating to full disclosure of their previous and current medical history.”
3. inadequate disclosure of coercive controlling behaviour
“Consideration should be given as to how a licensing authority can obtain full and accurate disclosure of an applicant's history of coercive controlling behaviour towards another / others.”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.85 · high
Earlier report
“there is currently no memorandum of understanding or legislation that allows doctors the ability during the duration of the term of a firearms license, which stands at 5 years, to report matters which may have a bearing on that patient's suitability to hold a firearms license”
This report
“An applicant for a shotgun certificate is able to obtain medication from an on-line doctor without the knowledge of their GP, giving rise to a risk that a licensing authority might grant a shotgun certificate to an applicant who has a relevant previous medical history about which the authority is not aware.”
Responses
2024-0438-Response-from-DHSC-1.pdf ↗· Surrey Police
Stated action · May 2023
“We have worked closely with the Home Office and the British Medical Association to ensure there are strong controls in place in relation to an applicant's medical suitability which is one element of the application process that the police consider when deciding if an applicant can hold a firearms or shotgun certificate. An applicant is required to declare all relevant medical conditions upon applying and they must provide details of their GP. A proforma is then completed by their GP or an independent”
2024-0438-Response-from-GPC.pdf ↗· National Police Chiefs' Council
Stated action
“We will update our own guidance to reflect that this potential gap exists if external prescribers are not sharing information, or have not been supplied by the patient with information that would be relevant”
2024-0438-Response-from-NPCC.pdf ↗· National Police Chiefs' Council
Stated action · November 2024
“We are also introducing a new FEO Report Form for national use which will require more comprehensive detailing of enquiries undertaken, information received (from in person interviews, police systems and wider investigations deemed appropriate on each individual application) and the rationale for their view on suitability.”
2024-0438-Response-from-Surrey-Police.pdf ↗· Surrey Police
2024-0438-Response-from-The-Home-Office.pdf ↗· Home Office
Stated action · course of 2025
“arrangements to amend the firearms and shotgun licence application form so that in future applicants are required to provide details if they have consulted an online or third party prescriber who is not their GP.”
Stated action · course of 2025
“I also intend to amend the firearm certificate to include a new condition requiring the holder to inform the police if they consult an online or third-party doctor about a relevant medical condition during the five years the licence is valid.”
Stated action · early 2025
“We are intending to issue a refreshed version of the Statutory Guidance early in 2025 which will include additional guidance for the police to help ensure that those who are the perpetrators of domestic abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, do not have access to firearms.”
Stated action · early 2025
“The Statutory Guidance for Firearms will make clear that such interviews need to be conducted with sensitivity, taking into account that a victim of domestic abuse may be unwilling to speak openly with the police for fear of further violence or reprisals, and that information provided during interview must be treated as confidential.”
Stated action · early 2025
“We will also ensure that the Statutory Guidance is sufficiently clear in relation to other allegations of violence and the need for the police to investigate such allegations and take this information into account when making their assessment of suitability.”