Drama students

Weapons & Firearms Awareness Group

Ensuring the safe use of weapons on campus for theatrical, artistic and research purposes

Introduction

The Health Safety and Compliance Team have produced advice and guidance for use of both imitation and real weapons and firearms and set up a Weapons and Firearms Awareness Group (WAFAG) to monitor the use of weapons on University premises for theatrical, artistic and research purposes.

Weapons of any kind are not normally permitted on University owned/controlled property. However, there are certain circumstances where they may be required (e.g. theatre production, filming or for research purposes). Under these circumstances the following procedures should be followed in order to ensure the safety of all involved (including third parties) and in order to comply with the law and to prevent public concern. 

Anyone with concerns regarding a project proposal that appears to be illegal or of a suspicious nature should contact Campus Security on ext. 3333 immediately.

 

Procedures

If real or imitation weapons or firearms are being used as part of a filming process, students must ensure that the relevant paperwork has been completed via the Linktree Student Forms and their personal tutor has been made aware.

If the filming is taking place outside of the university, students will need to apply for a permit to film from Portsmouth City Council, complete the WAFAG Application Form and await approval. Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for approval to be granted. 

If weapons and firearms are being used for research purposes, please just complete the WAFAG Application Form and await approval. Again, please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for approval to be granted.

 

Guidance and Application Forms

Please see the WAFAG Guidance and all relevant forms below:

 

WAFAG Guidance     WAFAG Application Form     Linktree Student Forms 

 

Portsmouth City Council permit to Film

For More Information

Anyone participating in work involving firearms must comply with the legal requirements under the Firearms Act 1968. Some specific regulations to take note of are highlighted below.

 

Regulation 19

These regulations are concerning the carrying of a firearm in a public place:

'A person commits an offense if, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof lies on them) they have with them in a public place:

  • a loaded shot gun
  • an air weapon (whether loaded or not)
  • any other firearm (whether loaded or not) together with ammunition suitable for use in that firearm
  • an imitation firearm'

 

Regulation 12

Under these regulations, it is permissible for a person to have a firearm in their possession for the purpose of a film or theatre production (including rehearsal). If filming or research is planned outside of University owned property, please read the information under 'Procedures' above and follow the necessary steps.

For further information and guidance on the use of weapons and firearms, please see the following links: