INFER TRUST ANNUAL REPORT ON ACTIVITIES - 1 January to 31 December 2020
We continue to respond to contacts from members of the press, students, those affected by gun misuse and the general public requiring comments, interviews and information. We thank colleagues for their willingness to meet these requests.
We continue to log details of press reports relating to gun incidents which come to our attention from media sources published in England Scotland and Wales. We note an absence of information regarding the status of guns used in crime and continued difficulties in sourcing information relating to self-inflicted gun deaths.
Section 28 (PFD) Letters
At inquests involving gun suicides we note that the deceased were frequently revealed to have been suffering from depression, anxiety, stress etc. and in some cases receiving treatment from GPs, whilst continuing to live with accessible guns and ammunition in the home. We note individuals who have accessed gun clubs and shooting ranges in order to take their own lives. We welcome PFD Letters from Coroners calling for better control and regulation of these premises.
It is a matter of concern that Coroners are not obliged to place the status of guns involved in fatal shootings in the public domain during Inquest proceedings, this lack of transparency prevents data collection.
Review of Air Weapon Regulations in England and Wales
We note that of those incidents coming to our attention, airguns continue to be the single most frequently used weapon. We are disappointed that the responses to the Review instigated in 2017 have not been made fully transparent, and airgun licensing is not being considered for England and Wales, despite the significant reduction of airgun incidents following the introduction of licensing for airgun owners in Scotland.
Tasers
We note the continued rise in the use of police Tasers and a rise in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from Taser use. We note successful prosecutions of officers regarding criminal use of Tasers. A study carried out in 2016/17 by the University of Cambridge found that officers armed with Tasers were 50% more likely to use force in the line of duty, and twice as likely to suffer an assault, than officers not carrying Tasers.
In the interests of public safety we are calling for all police officers carrying Tasers to be provided with, and activate, body cameras during all Taser incidents. The use of body cameras will ensure accountability; reduce the number of assaults suffered by officers, and increase public safety.
INFER TRUST - P.O. BOX 11495 LONDON N3 2FE T: 020 8343 4246 or 020 8940 0911 M: 0771 9696 279 E:info@infertrust.org The INFER TRUST is a registered charity. No. 1080791
Internationally
Dr. Mick North addressed members of ‘Americans Against Gun Violence’ in a Webinar in November 2020 and is hoping to travel to the US later to take up an invitation to speak in person to the organisation.
We continue to offer support, advice and networking opportunities to those communities, and families affected by gun misuse.
We continue to redirect, as appropriate, confidential information and concerns received from members of the public relating to individuals with access to guns, gun owners, and the activities and governance of gun clubs and shooting events.
Statement of finance
There has been no income or expenditure during this period.
Gill Marshall-Andrews
Trustee
8 September 2021
INFER TRUST - P.O. BOX 11495 LONDON N3 2FE T: 020 8343 4246 or 020 8940 0911 M: 0771 9696 279 E:info@infertrust.org The INFER TRUST is a registered charity. No. 1080791