The NSW Police Force has concluded its review of policies and procedures surrounding general issue firearms and announced the implementation of a number of recommendations made by the review working group.

In February 2024, Commissioner Karen Webb directed an immediate review of the issue, storage and movement of general-issue firearms.

The NSW Police Force subsequently established the Firearms Policies and Practices Review Working Group comprising of both internal and external stakeholders, including representatives from Victoria Police, the NSW Police Association, and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, and led by Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM.

The working group reviewed the legislative framework and NSW Police Force policies, practices and guidelines and considered the risks associated with the movement of firearms from a designated station to another location.

The review identified areas of improvement, including interim measures and long-term solutions, such as technological advancements to monitor and track the movement of firearms.

The key recommendations of the report are:

• Creation of the Arms and Appointments Manual. This document consolidates information currently held in various policies and notices and provides clear instruction on the governance, process and procedure for the approval and movement of a firearm away from its usual Command. The Manual has been created and will now serve as a guideline by which all police officers handling arms and appointments must comply.
• Digitisation of the internal application form required to store arms and appointments away from an officer’s host Command. It is anticipated this will be in place by December 2024.
• Digitisation of the Firearms Movement Register. A business case for funding will be prepared and submitted for review. The digitisation of the register will provide the NSW Police Force with the ability to better track and report on the location of firearms in real time, monitor storage location approvals and monitor inspection compliance.

Commissioner Karen Webb APM said while the review has been completed, the work to implement the recommendations is ongoing.

“I would like to thank all those involved in the review for their commitment to ensuring better oversight of police arms and appointments,” Commissioner Webb said.

“It was particularly important to gain the insight and expertise of Victoria Police and other external partners to ensure we implement best practice going forward.

“While the work is not yet complete, I am confident the review and its recommendations represent a clear path for improvement in this area.”