PDS Urges Police Forces to Coordinate on New Firearms Database

The Police Digital Service (PDS) has told forces considering their own firearms licensing systems to align with the national database replacement project instead.

The guidance, published on the PDS website, states: “Forces who are considering local investment in firearms licensing systems are encouraged to contact PDS to align with the NFLMS replacement project.”

The advice comes as the contract award for the replacement database is expected in October, following the closure of tender applications in June.

Why does the current system need replacing?

The current system has operated since the mid-2000s but lacks basic digital functionality. Many forces still process licensing applications using paper forms and cheques, while others have struggled with data integrity.

Recent BASC research has highlighted the scale of inconsistency across forces. Processing times range from 18 days to over two years, with the cost of processing each certificate varying from under £130 to more than £300 depending on force efficiency. Only 45% of new grants are completed within six months, with some certificate holders forced onto temporary permits for extended periods.

The system’s communication failures have also drawn scrutiny. A coroner recently raised concerns about the lack of information sharing between forces regarding certificate holders, particularly when they move between properties in different police areas.

What features are needed in a new system?

Bill Harriman, BASC’s Director of Firearms, criticised the current system as “an outdated legacy IT system that is not fit for purpose”. He outlined what would be needed from any replacement, saying it must serve police by “accurately recording certificate holders’ details and those of their firearms” while providing “wider access to allow dealers to process one-for-one variations”. For individual certificate holders, Mr Harriman said the system should allow them to “manage their certificates by notifying and recording acquisitions and disposals”.

What does the new system promise to deliver?

The PDS promises the new commercial off-the-shelf system will deliver “enhanced public safety through better oversight and data sharing” while offering “reduced time and cost for policing”. The replacement will use “modern technology, automation, and advanced analytics” to “future-proof” the system.

The coordination call reflects broader concerns about inconsistent service delivery. The Countryside Alliance has separately campaigned for “a single, centralised firearms licensing body” to provide consistent service and allow police to “focus on law enforcement, rather than licensing”.