Laws of Trinidad and Tobago Firearms Act

The following recommendations propose solutions to solve the problem of open transport versus clandestine transport: enactment of the necessary laws to regulate transport methods; mandatory legislation requiring an annual certificate of competency and training; The establishment of a validation period for a FUL prior to recertification; The inclusion of incorporation into the Firearms Act of Trinidad and Tobago as a prerequisite for the possession of firearms; Setting up a system where physicians add notes to approved medical records indicating their mental state. The disadvantages of open carrying include the fact that firearms attract attention, it is easier for someone to take your firearm, intimidates other people by gun users, and firearms in this position cause unwanted criticism. The process begins with an application describing the reasons for firearms ownership. In addition, part of the process requires validation to demonstrate that firearms possession does not pose an immediate threat to public safety. Morality statements by impartial adjudicators describing the applicant`s mental health, attitude towards firearms and family life are crucial elements of the application process. Applicants are screened by the police department`s national computer to verify their criminal status. Those who have served a minimum three-year prison sentence will be permanently prohibited from possessing firearms. After certification, the law requires notes to be added to personnel records, and physicians may raise concerns based on medical history. However, an important factor shows that the certification remains valid for five years (BBC, 2021). Any person, company or group of companies in Trinidad and Tobago can apply for a FUL. However, applicants must be at least twenty-five years of age. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service points out that these are two steps in the process.

The first step requires an application for a provisional permit, which includes submission to the TTPS. Interested personnel can obtain these application forms from the Government Printing Office or the TPTS Firearms Service. This licence allows individuals to provide firearms training at a specific range. However, the authorisation remains valid for two months. The Firearms Act of Trinidad and Tobago defines a firearm as any lethal weapon capable of discharging ammunition. However, this does not apply to air rifles, air rifles or air pistols (Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, 2016). Another view of this concept came from the British Firearms Act. They explained this term as a lethal and prohibited weapon, a lethal material accessory, or a prohibited weapon designed or assembled to reduce the noise or flash produced by the firing of the weapon (Crown Prosecution Service, 2021).

The legislation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago establishes clear guidelines for the possession of firearms. All citizens must meet the requirements of the Firearms Act and the Chief of Police before a Firearms Use Licence (FUL) is issued. Some would argue that this represents the legality of the right to bear arms. Responsibility for firearms certification rests with the UK Police Service. A practice used in Trinidad and Tobago. The British described the process as long and complicated. However, it is intended to ensure that competent persons receive firearms. The second step requires a FUL application to the Chief of Police. Application forms are available from the Government Printing Office or the TPPS Firearms Unit. The additional documents required with the application are as follows: Two passport photos; A police character certificate that is at least three months old at the time of application; a certificate of competence issued by the weapons instructor; A specimen signature of the applicant. Karp, Aaron.2007.` Census Completion: Civilian Firearms – Online Appendix. Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 27 August.

Full Citation Smith (2015) added that gun purchases at gun shows do not require background checks. Most people in the United States live near a gun show. However, cities like Washington DC, New York, and Chicago have strict gun laws, making it harder to own guns. Citizens twenty-five (25) years of age and older may apply for a FUL. Recent Police Chief Gary Griffith said he issued about five thousand FULs from 2018 to 2021. He also addressed the issue of FUL holders keeping their guns with them (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, 2021). This dilemma highlights the concept of hidden transportation and open transportation. Should firearms also be easily accessible to all citizens? The benefits of open port include reduced train times for gun users, informing others that you are armed, proximity to firearms during sporting activities, and the ability to carry firearms comfortably. Prospective firearms owners must complete a mandatory Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form. Name, place of residence, date of birth, race and citizenship are among the details sought on the form. The additional data required for the application are criminal offences and domestic violence, illicit narcotics, tranquilizers or stimulants and the use of controlled substances, as well as prior admission to a psychiatric institution.

The law requires merchants to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), which conducts background checks on individuals through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This background check takes a few minutes (Smith, 2015). The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms. The BBC (2021) pointed out that there are about 390 million guns in the United States. These results come from a recent Swiss survey conducted by Small Arms Survey in 2018. Dunn (2020) explained that determining the number of firearms owned by Americans is a daunting task. This is the result of the lack of federal regulations to allow the registration of civilian firearms in Canada. Guns save lives. However, there are a large number of illegal weapons in Trinidad and Tobago.

Some may attribute the high crime rate to this phenomenon. Firearms users run the risk of losing their weapon in an open carrying position. In the absence of laws, individuals can use overt or hidden portage. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. In view of the significant increase in the number of firearms in Trinidad and Tobago, attention must be paid to the need to raise awareness of firearms. Most individuals use the concealed port, but what happens if the population decides to explore the open port position? The time has come to amend the current legislation. Gun ownership is easy in the United States. Smith (2015) noted that individuals can purchase firearms at hundreds of stores in the United States, including mom stores and liquor stores like Ken`s Sporting Goods and Liquor Store in Crescent. Another viable option for gun ownership could come from selling guns or selling family and neighbours. The only background check required to purchase firearms comes from in-store purchases. Weapons expert Marian Yaun explained both concepts.

Concealed carrying refers to the practice of hiding a firearm from the public. Gun owners in Trinidad and Tobago use this practice for legitimate reasons.