Counter Terrorism Checks

[ClayKiller]

Hi,

I recently had my Shotgun Certificate interview after nearly two years of waiting, and it went very well. However, at the end of the interview, the officer mentioned that I would need to wait further weeks or even months for the counter-terrorism department to complete their checks.

Is this a normal part of the process? Should these checks not have been initiated earlier? I was under the impression that certificates are typically issued soon after a successful interview.

Thanks.

 

[SBL]

I’ve never heard of them being involved. It took around 2 weeks following my interview to receive the certificate. I know they contacted one referee following my interview and then I think it was onto the desk of the chief for final approval.

 

[MartynB]

Grant or Renewal ? and which Police Force ? Only the Police know which checks are done on the Police National Computer . Things are certainly very thorough these days , with things like mandatory domestic abuse screening questionnaires for partners of applicants. My renewal took under 4 months , with the certificate arriving 3 weeks after the interview .

 

[ClayKiller]

Grant or Renewal ? and which Police Force ? Only the Police know which checks are done on the Police National Computer . Things are certainly very thorough these days , with things like mandatory domestic abuse screening questionnaires for partners of applicants. My renewal took under 4 months , with the certificate arriving 3 weeks after the interview .

It's for the initial grant by South Wales Police. They've spoken to my referee but haven't spoken to my wife yet—I assume that still needs to happen. Waiting two years is such a long time! They also asked if I'd prefer renewals every three years instead of five?!

 

[Westward]

Have you ever had a security clearance? If so there'll be a file on you at MI5 and they don't break their necks to work in a timely fashion with the police.

Ask me how I know...

 

[ClayKiller]

Have you ever had a security clearance? If so there'll be a file on you at MI5 and they don't break their necks to work in a timely fashion with the police.

Ask me how I know...

No, I've never had a security clearance.

 

[PeeJay]

2 YEARS!!!

 

[ScotMac]

Were you born overseas?

 

[ClayKiller]

Were you born overseas?

Yes

2 YEARS!!!

Yeah, I've been told the delay is due to a backlog from COVID and staffing issues.