Commentary on Sections Part 8: Firearms Section 112: British Transport Police: Crown status under Firearms Act 1968
262.Subsection (1) amends section 54(3) of the 1968 Act, which identifies those persons deemed to be in the service of the Crown and for whom the provisions of the Act relating to the possession, purchase or acquisition of firearms are modified, to include a member of the British Transport Police Force or a person employed by the British Transport Police Authority who is under the direction and control of the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Force. The effect of bringing British Transport Police officers and employees of the British Transport Police Authority under the control of the Chief Constable of British Transport Police within the definition of a Crown servant is that such officers and employees are no longer required to obtain certificates for firearms under the 1968 Act in connection with the exercise of their duties. Consequent on that amendment, subsection (2) repeals subsections (3A) and (3B) of section 54 which currently provide a limited modification to those provisions relating to weapons of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing.