Days after his appointment as Commissioner of Police (CoP), Gary Griffith gave the assurance that he would prioritise treating with the backlog of 13,000 applications for Firearm User’s Licences (FUL). However, yesterday thousands of people who applied before 2015 were told they would have to re-apply.
In a release issued by the T&T Police Service (TTPS), Griffith confirmed his office had processed over 400 applications so far and was working to clear the backlog.
“My office is actively working to address previous challenges with the FUL process and these issues, including the time it takes to evaluate applications, are being overhauled,” Griffith said.
Asked why he called for individuals to re-apply last evening, Griffith told the T&T Guardian that when an application was made, there were several mandatory requirements needed, some of which would have surely changed over the years (referring to the wait time).
“For example, an applicant may have been single at the time when he applied and is now married, so in a case like this the wife would need to approve her husband getting a firearm,” Griffith said.
“Another factor is the psychometric testing needed…if they had done it 14 years ago there would be need for a test again because a lot would have changed in their lives, including a difference in their financial status or domestic. Also, addresses…if they have new addresses then the police would need to do a new and different search…for instance where they will be securing the firearm, if they have a safe, if it’s a safe environment.”
Regarding certificates of character, Griffith said these would no longer be valid after a couple years.
“An updated certificate of character would show if an act was committed after the last certificate was issued…so, bottom line, my intention is to deal with all applications but I need updated information to work on as to whether or not I will approve or reject,” Griffith said.
“I am doing this based on professionalism and courtesy because I will be responding to each applicant and telling them if they were approved or rejected and if they want to contest the rejection I am willing to go to the Court of Appeal to justify why I rejected the application.”
With the current pace, Griffith expects that by the end of 2019 the backlog in applications will be “no more.”
Griffith also again warned citizens against paying bribes in the hope of securing special favours for a FUL.
“I got information that people paid as much as $50,000, but as long as I am here, do not pay out any monies to any officer who claims that they can guarantee that files can move up or get approved. There will be no favouritism involved in the evaluation and processing of applications,” Griffith said.
“I will adhere and follow strict procedures and processes in granting licences to persons who apply, according to the law and criteria met.”
However, Griffith’s decision did not go down too well with several business organisations.
Arima Business Association head Reval Chattergoon said while he understood Griffith’s perspective, reason and value said the timeframe of three years should have been increased to five, meaning applicants before 2013 should be the ones to re-apply.
“Maybe investigating officers should have been checking to re-confirm already submitted documents or have a committee set up to carry out checks and update the already received information, but I find it unfair for applicants to re-apply from before 2015,” Chattergoon said.
Chattergoon was expected to hold a board meeting last night to discuss the issue and planned to pen a letter to Griffith to discuss options based on the feedback of his members.
San Juan Business Association PRO Abrahim Ali, meanwhile, said he would have preferred if applicants who had applied more than ten years ago and could show proof be given first preference of review by the CoP.
“They already waited so long and now have to go back and re-apply, which is very unfair because when they re-apply it will take more time again,” Ali said.
However, Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce president Vishnu Charran agreed with the timeframe.
“In a meeting we had with the Commissioner, he did tell us that people’s personal lives changed over the years and it was imperative to have current information, so we are in agreement despite the fact that many would have applied before 2015.”
Persons who applied for a FUL before 2015 and are awaiting approval were are asked to resubmit the following documents to the Office of the CoP:
1. A Certificate of Good Character
2. Psychological Evaluation
3. Proof of Change of Address (where applicable)
4. and Proof of Change in Marital Status (where applicable)
More info:
Any company, business group or individual 25 or over can apply for a firearm user’s licence.
First, you must get a provisional licence that authorises you to fire a gun at a specific shooting range for training purposes. Applicants must get a certificate of character from the Commissioner of Police not less than three months before the application date.
The provisional licence expires after two months but applicants can apply for another.
Provisional licence holders must train and take an exam for a certificate of competence. They then go back to the CoP, who determines whether to grant a full licence.
The permit states what types of gun the holder is permitted to acquire and how much ammunition they can purchase.