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JAM | Feb 6, 2023

FLA welcomes changes to the firearm appeal process

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) has made changes to its appeal process to modernise its operations and promote transparency.

Under this new appeal process, an individual aggrieved by the Board decision regarding the granting, amending, or suspension of a firearm authorisation may appeal to the Review Panel for consideration.

The Review Panel will no longer report its findings and recommendations to the Minister of National Security; instead, the Review Panel holds the authority to confirm the decision of the Board or refer the matter back to the Board for a fresh decision.

Shane Dalling, CEO of the Firearm Licensing Authority, said: “The changes to the Appeal Process support the FLA’s dedication to improve its operations with smooth, clear and fair processes. The implementation of a Review Panel that is independent to the Board is a major transformation that will ensure customers due process when seeking an appeal.”

The establishment of a Review Panel by the FLA is aimed at promoting equity that has been questioned by applicants before.

“As the national firearm regulator, it is important for us to adapt to better serve the public. The FLA welcomes significant legislative changes and continues to improve our systems and processes as we aim to regulate with a purpose and uphold the highest standards of transparency and efficiency,” Dalling noted.

The FLA also included changes such as the expansion of ballistic testing of bullets, the marking of firearms and electronic fingerprinting.

The recent passage of the new Firearms (Prohibition & Regulations) Act, 2022, replaced the original legislation of 1967 in a bid to bring the governing law up to speed with the necessary social and economic changes over the period.

The Firearm Licensing Authority is an agency of the Ministry of National Security, established in 2005 to regulate firearm licensing and usage in Jamaica.

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