Beds/Herts/Cambs Firearms & Explosives Licensing Unit Newsletter

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BCH FEL Newsletter

July 2026

 

Dear readers,

Welcome to the July edition of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Firearms and Explosives Licensing newsletter.

Read further updates on performance and developments across the collaborated Firearms and Explosives Licensing (FEL) Unit.

Performance Overview

Performance across the unit continues to show positive progress, with a particular focus on reducing the number of temporary permits. Through sustained effort and improved process efficiencies, the volume of temporary licences has significantly reduced by 40 per cent, reflecting improved timeliness in application processing and renewal activity. This remains a key priority area, and performance will continue to be closely monitored to ensure further sustained improvement.

Renewals received since January are being completed in around 20 days. A dedicated team continues to focus on applications received up to the end of December 2025, where waiting times remain longer due to the volume of historic cases. FEL recognises the impact this continues to have on applicants and remains focused on reducing these delays.

Improving communication has also been a key priority. The team have opened an external telephone line for people with urgent or unusual enquiries. Please do not ring to chase the status of an application. Information regarding turnaround times and the telephone number can be found on the website: Firearms licensing service update | Hertfordshire Constabulary

National Systems Update – Palantir

We welcome the national decision to implement the Palantir platform, which has successfully secured the new national contract. BCH FEL is already engaged with the programme and aligned to its development. This positions the unit well to take advantage of future system enhancements, improved data integration, and increased analytical capabilities, supporting both operational decision-making and performance oversight.

Expansion of local resource capability – Op Grant

As part of our ongoing commitment to improve efficiency and resilience, we are expanding the use of local rural crime team resources across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire through the continued development of Operation Grant which helps us process new grant applications.

This expansion will enable:

  • Greater flexibility in managing demand across the three counties
  • Improved timeliness and processing capability
  • Enhanced use of local knowledge and capacity

Op Grant will remain a key enabler in driving consistency and performance improvements across the collaborated unit.

FEO training and accreditation

We are pleased to confirm that the final cohort of Firearms Enquiry Officers (FEOs) have now successfully completed their training through the College of Policing. All officers/staff passed the programme, representing a significant milestone in strengthening our frontline capability.

This ensures that the unit is fully staffed with trained and accredited FEOs, enhancing our ability to deliver a high-quality, consistent service to the public while maintaining robust compliance and safeguarding standards.

 

Thank you for reading and being part of our community!

Links to the websites:

Firearms licensing service update | Hertfordshire Constabulary

Firearms licensing service update | Bedfordshire Police

Firearms licensing service update | Cambridgeshire Constabulary