I N D U S T R Y
UPDATE
WE KEEP WATCH SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
Things change constantly and rapidly within the contracting industry so this month in the first of a
series of regular columns we’re very pleased indeed to have Paul Hutchinson, MD of Associated Risks
Group based in the UK, join us to keep everyone updated on legal issues.
more efficient, but just as safe. Don’t get me wrong I believe in
safety just as much as anyone, but if you teach drills correctly
and progressively then the safety is present.
A number of years ago I was asked to teach a joint Close
Protection and Firearms Course in France and then the firearms
module in a former Soviet Union country, which will remain
nameless. During the Close Protection module in France, the week
before the firearms element, I was informed by a student that
the last cohort were arrested by the Intelligence Service for using
“a weapon of war” needless to say the firearms module didn’t
go ahead as planned. My point being is that because someone
advertises a firearms course on a website, it doesn’t mean it’s
legal. It’s your job to ensure that you do not break the law of
that country. You must ensure you do your own due diligence
before you commit to a course or training company.
On an operational note, what you must also consider isn’t just
the International law but the local or state law. The USA is an
example of this, with each state having different laws on training
with, owning and carrying a weapon.
Trust and Integrity is key in our industry, but before you go
on the ground on an operation or before you book a course, be
prepared to conduct some lengthy due diligence. Ring the training
companies and ask lots of questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
N
ow I don’t wish to sound like Rod Gilbert ranting
on Tog ratings but I guess I’m passionate about
Firearms Training. So if I come across that way,
well, so be it.
I’m often asked if there’s such a thing as an
international firearms licence for the security and
risk management industry or is there a course that
you can attend that will give you the qualification
to hold a licence in any country….well, the answer
is simply “No”
I explained in the May edition of PMCI that every country has
its own laws on who can possess, carry and use a firearm, and
these laws are there to protect the citizens of that country and
identify those that are deemed responsible to own a firearm.
What’s interesting is how a number of training companies
across the world are marketing their own courses, remarking on
how they have the only level 4 firearms course or their course
is accredited with this and that organisation. The key element is
to ensure the training you receive is realistic and legal. So here
comes the rant..!
I’ve witnessed too many so called “Firearms Instructors”
teaching Firearms courses that are designed around shooting
on a range and not in the real world. Applying a safety catch
during a speed load, just to be safe! My point being you wouldn’t
do it in a contact, why would you do it on a training day, surly
ensuring your finger is out of the trigger housing is not only
Stay safe
pmcimagazine.com