‘Issuing a firearm licence is an option of last resort’- Acting CoP
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According to Ms Vanterpool, granting firearm licences is a serious and weighty responsibility that must be discharged with the utmost care, and that issuing a firearm licence is an option of last resort.
Clarifying the established legal procedure to our News Centre, Ms Vanterpool said as the Commissioner of Police, she has been designated as the Licensing Authority for firearm licenses here in the Virgin Islands, a role governed by the Firearms and Airgun (Amendment) Act, 2015.
“I am supported in this responsibility by the Firearm Advisory Board, which is appointed by His Excellency the Governor.”
The Acting CoP said the Firearm Advisory Board undertakes the initial stages of the process, which involve the careful review of all applications. This includes interviewing and assessing applicants to determine if they meet the preliminary standard of being a "fit and proper" person.
“The Board then provides its recommendations to me. However, my role as Licencing Authority carries additional and final responsibility. I must conduct my own assessment of each applicant's character, which is primarily based on a thorough examination of criminal records and intelligence reports.”
An ‘option of last resort’
Furthermore, according to Ms Vanterpool, she has a specific duty to regulate the number of licenses issued.
“This means that even if the Advisory Board recommends an applicant as fit and proper, I will not necessarily issue a licence. I must be personally satisfied of several critical factors, including a genuine and demonstrated need for the firearm, the applicant's proven competence in handling such a weapon, their good character, and the possession of a secure place to store the firearm. All potential risks must be properly ventilated and mitigated.”
Noting that it is “a fundamental principle” that issuing a firearm licence is an “option of last resort”, Ms Vanterpool disclosed that before she would consider granting any licence, she must be satisfied that all other viable options for increasing personal and business security have been thoroughly explored.
“Granting firearms licenses is a serious and weighty responsibility that must be discharged with the utmost care. While I maintain that applicants who unequivocally meet all the stringent requirements should be issued a licence, the overarching priority must always be public safety and the principle that firearms in civilian hands are an exception, not the rule,” Ms Vanterpool said.
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Another call for business owners to carry firearms in midst of crime wave!
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