By Howard Walker, Staff ReporterMORE THAN 250 guns belonging to licensed firearm holders islandwide are now in the hands of criminals.
The police are describing this as 'alarming' and have said that the current review of the system under which licences are granted will see major changes.
Their data show that within the last three years, 256 guns belonging to licensed firearm holders were stolen or lost. In addition, 49 firearm holders were killed for their weapons.
"If a man is shot and killed and his firearm stolen, it means more guns in the hands of the criminals and that's alarming," said Reginald Grant, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), in charge of crime.
"There was a time when the approval for a firearm licence would be done in the Commissioner's office. But every Commissioner has different views," he told The Sunday Gleaner.
According to Mr. Grant, when the review is done, based on what comes out, there will have to be some recommendations. "I don't think we are happy with the present system. It's for the policy makers to view it and decide."
But police sources have indicated some of the changes that are expected to take place. These include:
A reduction in the amount of ammunition granted.
The elimination of the divisional superintendent from the process.
The establishment of a committee to investigate the background of individuals applying for gun licences.
Investigations into their reasons for wanting the licences.
Recently, there has been several calls for the revision of the Firearm Act of 1967, to provide a uniform and objective system without the influence of the divisional superintendent.
Last year, the Police High Command said they were stepping up their probe into reports of gun licences being granted to known drug dealers in Montego Bay. Back in November 2000, Police Commissioner, Francis Forbes, launched a probe into reports that some members of the Force may have been involved in the sale of firearm licences.
"It is being investigated because it is stink on the streets," the Commissioner said then.
A point ACP Grant reiterated. "There is an ongoing investigation and there are special cases being looked at as we speak."
The Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) has also acknowledged that licensed firearm holders are being charged for various criminal activities.
"Licensed firearm holders are arrested for drug offences and murder," said Constable Devon Williams of the CCN.
There is no case of bribery involving persons trying to obtain gun permit. However, a source told The Sunday Gleaner that he had to pay $10,000 each to the four police investigators to make sure "everything went smooth" after sending in his application to obtain a gun permit.
He also said he had to change his address to obtain his permit as he was told that his area was condemned as "nobody would be getting a gun permit from that area".
Head of the CCN, Superintendent Ionie Ramsay-Nelson described the current process through which a gun permit is acquired.
"You have to make an application to the superintendent in charge of the division that you live in. Submit your application along with two passport-size photos. A fee of $3,000 is required and then the local police from different divisions will carry out their investigations of your character."
Meanwhile, Derrick Smith, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) spokesman on national security insists "that some of the guns out there with persons who are legitimate holders should not have been issued. And of such they should be reviewed and revoked."
