| CoP Denies Stalling Firearm Licenses |
| By L.K. Hewlett |
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Police Commissioner CG Walwyn |
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Police Commissioner CG Walwyn denies allegations that he is refusing to issue new firearm licenses. CoP Walwyn, who has been in office just one month, told The Observer the allegations were ridiculously false, since he would have nothing to gain by doing so.
“I took up this position on September 1st and in the last couple of weeks there has been a lot of pomp and circumstance and as a result I have been extremely busy. I have absolutely nothing to gain by holding up firearm licenses,” he said.
The Police Chief also denied stalling applications for firearm licenses that had been pre-approved by his predecessor Austin Williams. He said some of the applications that had come across his desk were “questionable”.
“I did get some applications for firearms but some of them were questionable and as a result I have to review those files to make sure that those persons who applied, even though they were approved, I would want to look at those files before I give the final okay under my name, that these people are qualified to have these weapons,” he stated.
Once a gun license had been issued, he explained, it would be very difficult to have it revoked. The review process, including background checks would simply be more thorough and detailed, CoP Walwyn told this media house.
“We are not saying we are not going to give anybody any permits but based on some irregularities that we found we are looking at all of them that are coming through. I want to make sure that everything is done properly and in order before I sign off on anything to make sure whoever I’m giving permission does have a duty to receive this firearm.”
CoP Walwyn said he is not stopping any renewals of firearm permits, because those had been approved before him. His only issue, he said, was scrutinizing the ones coming to him for approval.
The Observer had been told by a few individuals that their applications had been approved by former CoP Williams and they had already purchased the weapons, paid all fees and duties, been investigated and are now awaiting the release of their weapon.
“The ones that have already been signed I can’t stop them, but I will be reviewing them before I put my signature on them and that’s the bottom line,” said the Commissioner.
He spoke to the need for more thorough background checks to be carried out for those applying for firearm permits, whether the individual was a resident or a foreigner.
“I want this to be clear; we need to do better background checks on the issuance of these licenses and it’s not just for local people. We have people from outside who are coming here and because of the way licenses are being issued right now, we could have a mass murderer from Canada, the US or Europe coming here and getting a license because there are no checks and balances in place, so all this is being reviewed right now.”
As it relates to officers applying for licenses to carry personal firearms, CoP Walwyn said the agency had some safety issues.
“We also have some officer safety issues that we are looking into. One of the rules when they got the permit, it tells them the firearm is for their personal use, so they cannot take a personal firearm and go guard a store with it. It’s for their personal safety and their property; they can’t even carry their personal firearm while in uniform,” the Commissioner informed.
CoP Walwyn revealed that he had received many new applications for firearm licenses since assuming office but would not speculate as to the reasons for the high demand. |
