BASC DELIVERS CPD TRAINING FOR POLICE SCOTLAND FIREARMS LICENSING TEAM

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) recently hosted 20 members of Police Scotland’s firearms licensing team as part of its ongoing commitment to provide training support and foster collaboration with law enforcement.

The two-day Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme offered participants in-depth training on critical topics related to firearms and shooting, reinforcing the strong partnership between BASC and Police Scotland.

The sessions covered a range of key areas, including:

• The use and functionality of various types of firearms

• Updates on general licences

• The transition to non-lead ammunition and its implications for shooting and conservation

In addition to the structured learning, the CPD event facilitated direct interaction between Police Scotland’s licensing team and BASC staff, encouraging open communication and highlighting areas of complementary expertise.

To conclude the training, attendees participated in practical clay pigeon and rifle shooting sessions, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios with a focus on safety and precision.

These sessions marked the fifth and sixth CPD days delivered by BASC for Police Scotland in 2024, reflecting a sustained commitment to professional development and collaboration.

Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms, commented: “These CPD days are a great opportunity to build and strengthen the relationship between BASC and Police Scotland. By providing detailed, practical training on key topics such as firearms use, licensing updates, and the transition to non-lead ammunition, we’re equipping the firearms licensing team with valuable knowledge that supports their work.

“The hands-on shooting experience is an important addition, offering insight into the practical application of what we discuss in the classroom. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to contribute to the professional development of those tasked with such an important role. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and finding new ways to work together for the benefit of both our organisations and the wider community.”

The programme highlights BASC’s dedication to supporting firearms licensing teams and developing a collaborative approach to addressing challenges within the shooting and conservation sectors.