SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 17 Enhancing security and safety through collaboration In late August 2019, NSW Police Force joined other Australian law enforcement agencies in a national week of action targeting the supply and distribution of illegal fi rearms. This effort, under Operation Athena, saw NSW Police Force seize more than 80 fi rearms and conducted nearly 600 safe storage inspections. Operation Athena was established to target the traffi cking and use of illicit fi rearms throughout Australia and involves police from each state and territory, with assistance from Federal agencies including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Offi ce, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Defence Force. Complementing this venture, NSW Police launched Operation Armour in June 2019. Operation Armour looks to minimise fi rearm theft in regional NSW, which, amongst other activities, sees Police conducting safe storage inspections. The operation focuses on preventing, disrupting and reducing fi rearm thefts. We know that opportunities for fi rearm theft are increased when fi rearms are not stored securely or stored at locations that are not in daily or even regular use, and that the theft and sale of fi rearms is occurring often in regional areas. Firearms licence holders who store guns safely and securely, help police reduce the risk of fi rearms being stolen and diverted into the illegal market. Our job as regulator is to provide our customers with the best available information and advice to help you meet your obligations in keeping your guns safe. We have information on our website about safe storage details and have developed a self-assessment tool, called "Reduce Your Risk", to help you identify any gaps or non-compliance in your safe storage. The Firearms Act 1996 and its associated regulation prescribe different levels of safe storage for different categories of licence. As a fi rearm licence holder, it is critical that you are clear about your obligations. More information can be found here: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/fi rearms/ safe_storage Recent changes within the NSW Police Force has seen the Firearms Registry now placed within the Police Prosecutions and Licensing Enforcement Command. Also, is the newly established position of Corporate Spokesperson for Firearms. These changes see a stronger corporate focus on fi rearm regulation, compliance, investigation and enforcement. As part of this enhanced focus, the Firearms Registry has been increasing its outreach program to clubs and ranges. This program sees a consultative and positive approach to issue identifi cation and problem solving with the aim of "us helping you" in improving standards and compliance on ranges and at clubs. In late August 2019, the Firearms Registry deployed its fi rst combined range / club compliance team to the Oxley Police District and completed a 100% inspection of all range and club facilities within that area. In collaboration with local police, Firearms Registry staff attended 16 range facilities and 18 clubs. Our teams were well received by shooting club and range offi cials. We discussed effi cient range safety measures, club compliance and addressed general 'how to' questions. We had positive feedback from those involved including peak association representatives. We will continue to grow our outreach program so that, as a shooter, you have confi dence that the ranges and clubs have the right information to host and support your sport, with safety and compliance as their priority. These measures are designed to increase compliance and public safety through providing useful and targeted information through face-to-face interactions with Firearms Registry staff and local police. No one wants to see fi rearms get stolen or incidents occur on ranges. Working together with the fi rearm and shooting community to improve safe storage and range standards will go a long way to reducing these risks. Superintendent Anthony Bell Commander, Firearms Registry NSW Police Firearms Registry

• Cover