A register of persons prohibited from owning or using firearms was maintained by the Police until the establishment of the centralised computer data system.The register provided a convenient means for Police to check on an applicant’s fitness to hold a firearms licence. Despite computerisation making such a register easier to operate, the system has now been abandoned.

COLFO Policy

COLFO considers there is a case for the reintroduction of a prohibited persons register which would provide a psychological profile of an individual who is considered to pose a threat to society. Such a register would require an input of information from the mental health and justice systems as well as the public.
COLFO appreciates that measures would need to be introduced to ensure that full information was provided; that privacy was maintained; that legal safeguards are established to prevent malicious misuse of the system; and that the system incorporates a right of appeal.