ACPO comment on the issuing of shotgun certificates to young people

ACPO lead for firearms licensing, Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting, said:

“The evidence relating to young people being granted shotgun certificates does not currently give cause for concern. Certification enables young people to shoot in a supervised environment but it does not allow them to purchase firearms or ammunition.

“Critical to ensuring safety is the environment in which shooting takes place, which is why my view is that all children should be supervised by an adult certificate holder over the age of 21. In addition, if we are to continue to allow children to shoot, then introducing a minimum age across firearms and shotguns without exemptions would apply more controls than currently exist.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk