FLA warns about gun salutes

The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) is warning licensed firearm holders about using their weapons for gun salutes, as they can be easily traced by the entity.

The warning follows a public advisory issued by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) urging citizens to desist from the illegal practice of "gun salutes", noting that celebratory gunfire poses serious risks and has led to injuries and deaths. Speaking with THE STAR, FLA CEO Shane Dalling said many firearm holders continue to operate under the false belief that they cannot be traced once shell casings are collected after firing their weapons.

"What persons don't know is that the FLA has the technology to determine if you used your firearm," Dalling said. "Some people believe that once they collect the spent casings, they can't be traced but that is not true." He explained that the authority uses ballistic identification technology that allows investigators to match recovered bullets to specific firearms.

"Whatever goes up must come down. Once we recover the bullet, what people refer to as the 'warhead', we are able to test it and determine which firearm it came from," he said. "Every firearm has a unique signature, just like individuals have unique fingerprints."

Dalling stressed that celebratory gunfire, whether during Christmas, New Year's or other events, is illegal and constitutes a direct breach of the Firearms Act. He explained that while older legislation once referenced a 100-yard rule from public roads, that provision was removed after being widely misinterpreted.

"Persons believed that once they were beyond 100 yards from a main road, they could discharge a firearm," he said. "That provision has been removed, and the law now clearly states that a firearm may only be discharged in lawful defence of yourself or your property." He warned that misuse of firearms during festive periods continues to result in serious consequences for licence holders.

"Using a firearm during the Christmas season or at celebratory events is illegal and can result in the revocation of firearm licences," Dalling said. "Every year, several licences are revoked for this reason."

He added that the FLA will be working closely with the JCF throughout the holiday period as police increase patrols and respond to reports of gunfire.

"We will be very vigilant over the holidays and will be taking reports from members of the public," he said.

While acknowledging that illegal firearms are often used during celebratory shootings, Dalling stressed that licensed holders are not exempt from detection.

"Firearms are issued to responsible, mature individuals, and safe handling is paramount," Dalling said. "If you use your firearm in breach of the law this holiday season, your licence will be revoked, as has happened in previous years."