If a person is aware of the existence of a firearm that is not in the lawful possession of any person and fails to report the location of the firearm to a police official without delay, is this an offence?

If a person is aware of the existence of a firearm that is not in the lawful possession of any person and fails to report the location of the firearm to a police official without delay, is this an offence?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the firearm is loaded
• D. Only if the person is under 18

Answer: (A)

The key point is that there is a legal duty to report the location of a firearm when you know of its existence and it is not in anyone’s lawful possession. This duty applies regardless of whether the firearm is loaded and regardless of the person’s age. Failing to report to a police official without delay creates an offence because the law aims to ensure firearms that aren’t properly owned or controlled are quickly accounted for to protect public safety. So in this scenario, not reporting the firearm’s location is an offence.

The key point is that there is a legal duty to report the location of a firearm when you know of its existence and it is not in anyone’s lawful possession. This duty applies regardless of whether the firearm is loaded and regardless of the person’s age. Failing to report to a police official without delay creates an offence because the law aims to ensure firearms that aren’t properly owned or controlled are quickly accounted for to protect public safety. So in this scenario, not reporting the firearm’s location is an offence.