Memorandum of Understanding - Responsibilities under the Firearms (Jersey) Law 2000
Memorandum of Understanding between The States of Jersey Police the Parish Connétables and the Home Affairs Committee for their Respective Responsibility under the Firearms (Jersey) Law 2000.
1. Status
1.1 This paper establishes the terms of agreement between the Chief Officer of Police and the Parish Connétables on the division of responsibility under the Firearms ( Jersey ) Law 2000.
2. Introduction
2.1 The introduction of the new Firearms Law provides for increased responsibility for both The States of Jersey Police (SOJP) and Parish Connétables. This paper identifies the respective responsibilities under the law.
3. Connétables Responsibilities
3.1 The grant, renewal and variation of all Firearms Certificates within the terms of the Firearms (Jersey) Law 2000, and in particular determining whether any applicant is 1) fit to be entrusted with a firearm and 2) that he/she has good reason for having in his possession or for purchasing or acquiring, the firearm/ammunition for which the application is made.
3.2 To undertake such local enquiries as may be necessary to establish the accuracy of the details set out in the application.
3.3 The revocation, partial revocation of Firearms Certificates if a holder becomes unsuitable, or if there is significant change in circumstances which makes revocation appropriate.
3.4 Authorise Firearms Certificates for Article 33 weapons (prohibited weapons and ammunition) if a permit has been granted by the Home Affairs Committee.
3.5 Check the completeness of applications before forwarding them to the States Police.
3.6 Impose conditions on Firearms Certificates as the Connétable thinks fit.
3.7 Where the Connétable has revoked a Firearms Certificate under Article 3, he/she may require in writing the holder of Certificate to surrender the Certificate and any firearms or ammunition pertaining to said Certificate.
3.8 Notify Certificate holders when Certificates are due to expire in sufficient time for a re-application to be processed (refer to 4.11). Notify the States Police of any cases of non-renewal where offences may be committed.
3.9 Establish arrangements for the transfer of records between Parishes following a change of address and notify the States Police of the new particulars. Arrange for the issue of a new certificate when any change of address occurs.
4. States of Jersey Police Responsibilities
4.1 Maintain a Central Firearms Index as a point of contact for all Parishes.
4.2 Inspect Shooting Clubs at the time of approval/renewal by the Home Affairs Committee.
4.3 Compile reports on Shooting Club applications.
4.4 Maintain a Register of Registered Firearms Dealers on behalf of the Home Affairs Committee.
4.5 Chief Officer to issue Visitors Permits and impose conditions as he thinks fit.
4.6 Investigate offences under the Firearms ( Jersey ) Law 2000.
4.7 Compile reports on Registered Firearms Dealers applications.
4.8 Inspect Registered Firearms Dealers register of transactions.
4.9 Compile reports on Article 33 (prohibited weapons and ammunition) applications.
4.10 Shall carry out police record checks on an applicant using databases directly accessible by the States Police and communicate to the Connétable any information arising from those checks relevant to the application in order to assist the Connétable’s decision. This task to be completed as soon as possible and in any case within 14 days of the receipt of a fully completed application form.
4.11 Shall on a monthly basis, provide the Connétables with at least two months notice of Certificates due to expire in their Parish.
4.12 Shall draw to the attention of the Connétables any material facts relating to an existing certificate holder’s suitability to continue to hold a firearms certificate.
4.13 At the request of a Connétable to provide specialist advice on the range and capabilities of weapons and the suitability of a venue for shooting purposes.
5. Responsibilities of the Home Affairs Committee
5.1 Notify the relevant parish and the States Police of the grant of any certificate under Article 33 (Prohibited weapons and ammunition).
6. Amendments to this agreement
6.1 This agreement comes into force when agreed by both the Comité des Connétables and the Home Affairs Committee.
6.2 Any amendments to matters of detail may subsequently be agreed by the Comité des Connétables, the Chief Officer and the member of Home Affairs with responsibility for firearms.
