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25/11/2003
Gun crime targeted with £1m police database
A new £1 million 'gun crime' database has been launched which could help bring more criminals to justice and make communities safer, Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said today.
The Minister will launch the Forensic Science Service's (FSS) National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database (NFFID) later today, ahead of a meeting with the Home Secretary, police and community groups.
The new database, developed with over £1 million of Home Office funding, will improve the speed and quality of police intelligence sharing on the firearms used in crime. The technology will help link crimes regardless of where and when they take place, the government said.
Once a weapon or ammunition is entered into the system, it can be checked against all the records of previously seized items to establish any matches, the Home Office said. By collating data from all 43 police forces in England and Wales in one place, an "accurate picture" of the extent and nature of criminal use of firearms will be developed.
The move is part of a drive by the government, the police and communities to cut gun crime, through measures including: a national firearms amnesty, which earlier this year took nearly 44,000 guns and more than a million rounds of ammunition off the streets; the introduction of a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for illegal possession of prohibited firearms; and the setting up of a new anti-gun crime charity the Disarm Trust.
Ms Flint said: "The new National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database will be an invaluable tool for the police. Using cutting edge technology, it will help to bring more of the criminals who spread fear in our communities to justice.
"The government is determined to tackle the gun crime which can rip apart lives, families and communities."
(gmcg)
The Minister will launch the Forensic Science Service's (FSS) National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database (NFFID) later today, ahead of a meeting with the Home Secretary, police and community groups.
The new database, developed with over £1 million of Home Office funding, will improve the speed and quality of police intelligence sharing on the firearms used in crime. The technology will help link crimes regardless of where and when they take place, the government said.
Once a weapon or ammunition is entered into the system, it can be checked against all the records of previously seized items to establish any matches, the Home Office said. By collating data from all 43 police forces in England and Wales in one place, an "accurate picture" of the extent and nature of criminal use of firearms will be developed.
The move is part of a drive by the government, the police and communities to cut gun crime, through measures including: a national firearms amnesty, which earlier this year took nearly 44,000 guns and more than a million rounds of ammunition off the streets; the introduction of a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for illegal possession of prohibited firearms; and the setting up of a new anti-gun crime charity the Disarm Trust.
Ms Flint said: "The new National Firearms Forensic Intelligence Database will be an invaluable tool for the police. Using cutting edge technology, it will help to bring more of the criminals who spread fear in our communities to justice.
"The government is determined to tackle the gun crime which can rip apart lives, families and communities."
(gmcg)
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11 July 2005
Police arrest 21 in gun crime clampdown
West Midlands Police have arrested 21 people in connection with firearms offences, as part of an operation to tackle gun crime. Fifteen men and six women, aged between 13 and 35 were arrested during yesterday’s raids in Rowley Regis.
Police arrest 21 in gun crime clampdown
West Midlands Police have arrested 21 people in connection with firearms offences, as part of an operation to tackle gun crime. Fifteen men and six women, aged between 13 and 35 were arrested during yesterday’s raids in Rowley Regis.
21 October 2004
Violent crime and firearms offences on the rise: police figures
Despite an overall crime dip of 5%, violent crime in England and Wales has risen by 11% compared to the same quarter last year, according to police figures out today. Firearm offences rose overall by 3% - the biggest hikes were for offences that resulted in no injury, at 28%, and for the use of imitation firearms.
Violent crime and firearms offences on the rise: police figures
Despite an overall crime dip of 5%, violent crime in England and Wales has risen by 11% compared to the same quarter last year, according to police figures out today. Firearm offences rose overall by 3% - the biggest hikes were for offences that resulted in no injury, at 28%, and for the use of imitation firearms.
26 October 2006
Police chiefs hold conference on gun crime
Police chiefs are holding a conference on gun-related crime following a series of high-profile shootings. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) are expected to agree a strategy on gun crime and announce tactics following the meeting today.
Police chiefs hold conference on gun crime
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27 August 2013
Fire At Police Firearms Training Centre
Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire, at the new police firearms training centre site at Valley Road, Portishead. Avon Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived on the scene just after 4.30am on tuesday (27 August) where they found a well-developed fire affecting the building, which is currently under construction.
Fire At Police Firearms Training Centre
Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire, at the new police firearms training centre site at Valley Road, Portishead. Avon Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived on the scene just after 4.30am on tuesday (27 August) where they found a well-developed fire affecting the building, which is currently under construction.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
