Cullen Inquiry into Dunblane
CompletedDunblane Inquiry
Public inquiry into the shootings at Dunblane Primary School on 13 March 1996 when Thomas Hamilton killed 16 children and their teacher before killing himself.
Key Legislation
Implementation Reviewed By
Influence & Connections
Parliamentary Activity 2 Click to expand
Steven Paterson (Scottish National Party)
Reports (1) Click to expand
| Title | Volume | Publication Date | Tracked recs | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunblane Inquiry — Final Report | - | 16 Oct 1996 | 28 |
Recommendations (28)
Ensure officers receive full advance information for exercising caution during enquiries
Officers carrying out enquiries should be supplied in advance with full information about any known change of circumstances and any reason for exercising particular caution (para 8.9).
Endorse enquiry officer checklists, requiring reporting of applicant suitability concerns
The use of checklists by enquiry officers is endorsed, subject to the need for them to be alert to and report anything which could be relevant to the suitability of the applicant or certificate holder (paras 8.10-8.11).
Provide comprehensive training and guidance for firearm enquiry officers
Enquiry officers should be given as much training and guidance for their work as is practicable (para 8.13).
Extend firearm search warrant powers for substantial public safety risk
Extend firearm search warrant powers to authorised civilian licensing officers
The power of search with warrant under section 46 of the Firearms act 1968 should be extended to any civilian licensing and enquiry officer who is authorised in writing for that purpose by the Chief Constable (para 8.15).
Extend firearm dealer and club inspection powers to authorised civilian officers
The powers enjoyed by police officers to inspect dealers' registers and premises and approved clubs should be extended to civilian licensing and enquiry officers who are authorised in writing for that purpose by the Chief Constable (para 8.16).
Endorse police information exchange on firearm certificate holders and revocations
The steps being taken to enable police forces to hold and exchange information on computer as to the individuals who hold firearm certificates, and those whose firearm applications have been refused or certificates revoked are endorsed (para 8.23).
Advise police that "good reason" for firearms implies intention and use
The Guidance to the Police should advise that good reason implies intention; and that lack of past use prima facie indicates the lack of it (para 8.30).
Amend Firearms Act to allow revocation for lack of good reason
Mandate approved clubs to register firearm certificate holders' attendance and firearm usage
Mandate firearm certificate holders to join and specify an approved club
Mandate approved clubs to inform police when firearm certificate holders cease membership
Each approved club should be required to inform the police when a holder of a firearm certificate has ceased to be a member of the club for whatever reason (para 8.50).
Mandate approved clubs to report year-long non-attendance by firearm certificate holders
Each approved club should be required to inform the police when a member who is the holder of a firearm certificate has not attended a meeting of the club for a period of a year (para 8.51).
Require approved clubs to appoint a police liaison officer
The proposal that each club should appoint a person to act as a liaison officer with the police is endorsed (para 8.52).
Establish explicit statutory criteria for approving firearms clubs
Explicit statutory provision should be made for the laying down of criteria for the approval of clubs for the purpose of section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 (para 8.53).
Revise and align sections 27(1) and 30(1) of the Firearms Act 1968
The language of section 30(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 should be brought into full correspondence with that of section 27(1); and each revised in order to achieve a logical and consistent arrangement (paras 8.62 and 8.65).
Require police satisfaction of applicant fitness for firearm certificate granting
Include definition of "fitness" for firearm entrustment in police guidance
It is desirable that the Guidance to the Police should contain advice as to the scope of "fitness" to be entrusted with a firearm and ammunition (para 8.64).
Mandate approved clubs to inform police of membership applications and outcomes
Each approved club should be required to inform the police of the receipt of an application for membership; and the outcome of the application (para 8.71).
Mandate club applicants to declare prior refused or revoked firearm certificates
Replace firearm application counter-signatory requirement with two references
The current requirement for a counter-signatory of a firearm application should be abolished; and replaced by a system for the provision of two references (para 8.81).
Consult on providing applicant medical history to forensic medical examiners
Restrict appeal scope against police chief's discretionary decisions on firearms
Consideration should be given to the reform of the scope for appeal against decisions of the chief officer of police by restricting it to enumerated grounds which do not trench on the exercise of his discretion (para 8.119).
Mandate secure disablement or ban individual possession of target shooting handguns
Prepare school safety strategy and action plan protecting against violence
Extend violence guidance to encompass safety of entire school population
It is desirable that the guidance provided by the Education Service Advisory Committee in regard to violence to staff in the education sector should be extended to encompass the safety and protection of the school population as a whole (para 10.26).
Establish national accreditation for children's clubs with leader suitability checks
Develop Scottish Vocational Qualification for work with children and protection
Consideration should be given to the development of a Scottish Vocational Qualification in respect of work with children, including the organisation of clubs and child development and protection (para 11.47).