We're one of the most efficient forces and ready to receive your firearm applications again

Due to the national lockdown and covid restrictions we have been unable to accept new applications or grant shotgun and firearm licences. As the restrictions lift, we are pleased to let the shooting community know we welcome any new applications and our Firearms Enquiry Officers will be back out visiting those who both hold current licences or apply for a renewal, where needed.

The British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) collate details from all forces around renewals and grants of licences. We're really pleased that BASC are reporting our Firearms Licensing Department is again one of the most efficient forces in the country. As many of our shooting community know, up to a few years ago, the Force was regarded as one of the worst performing forces in relation to processing licences and firearms matters, so we are delighted our hard work and introduction of our Firearms Licensing Online portal (FLO) has shown improvements in our service.

Applications are now made via the FLO system, which is very easy to use and once registered the account allows for applications, renewals, transfer and all other firearms licensing matters to be processed simply and extremely quickly. This advance in technology has allowed for the antiquated paper application to be removed and brought in line with other organisations such as DVLA or the Passport process. Most forces have brought or are bringing their firearms licensing application process online. We do understand there are some members of our community who may be unable to use the FLO system, if you contact the Firearms Licensing Department we can assist where this is an issue. We continue to send out early reminders to certificate holders. In all but exceptional circumstances the process to renew is completed well before a certificate expires.

Lincolnshire is one of the safest places to live, work and visit and we take the issue of firearm licences extremely seriously, safety is at the centre of all we do. We have approximately 18,000 current shotgun/firearm certificate holders which cover 60,000 legally held firearms. It is the responsibility of the Firearms Licensing Department to ensure that every certificate holder is fit and proper to possess any certificate and firearms and as importantly any firearms are stored and kept securely.

Our community expect the highest of standards in assessing who can hold a firearm. All certificate holders or applicants must provide a medical report to demonstrate they are fit to possess firearms;this is a process introduced 3 years ago. Following the introduction of medical reports, we identified significant numbers of firearm certificate holders who had hidden or failed to declare serious medical conditions. These medical conditions put both the licence holder and pubic at risk. This is unacceptable to us and now, with the medical certificate being introduced, this risk has been removed.

We also require high standards for security, this will usually include the use of an alarm, increased security and a secure cabinet where any firearms are stored. This is to reduce any threat and risk of legally held firearms being stolen and falling into criminal hands.

We encourage anyone who wishes to apply for a licence to do so and we will help and advise how this can be done in a safe and responsible way. We recognise for many of people their livelihood depends on shooting, and some will need a licence for work purposes. We also understand how important shooting is for pleasure, relaxation, and exercise. We openly encourage people to take up shooting in a responsible and safe way. Public safety will always be at the forefront of decisions on who can legally possess a firearm in Lincolnshire.