English and Welsh Police Law Explained
Jun 9, 2026 · 11 min · 8 segments
In this weeks episode we near the end of our look at firearms legislation, focusing on Sections 17, 18, and 20 of the Firearms Act 1968, possessing firearms with criminal intent or when trespassing…
[siren wailing]
Section 17, using a firearm to resist arrest.
Section 17 of the Firearms Act 1968 makes it a criminal offense to use or even attempt to use a firearm or imitation firearm to stop a lawful arrest or detention.
This applies whether the person is trying to prevent their own arrest or the arrest of someone else, and the legislation is broad and covers the use of any weapon that is intended to resist police or the lawful authorities carrying out an arrest.
This section also creates a separate offense where if a person is found in possession of a firearm or imitation firearm while committing or being arrested for certain serious offenses listed in the act, in these circumstances, the person is presumed to have committed the offense unless they can show they possess the firearm for a lawful purpose.
The burden is therefore on the individual to provide a legitimate explanation for having the firearm.
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
Section 17, using a firearm to resist arrest.
Section 17 of the Firearms Act 1968 makes it a criminal offense to use or even attempt to use a firearm or imitation firearm to stop a lawful arrest or detention.
This applies whether the person is trying to prevent their own arrest or the arrest of someone else, and the legislation is broad and covers the use of any weapon that is intended to resist police or the lawful authorities carrying out an arrest.
This section also creates a separate offense where if a person is found in possession of a firearm or imitation firearm while committing or being arrested for certain serious offenses listed in the act, in these circumstances, the person is presumed to have committed the offense unless they can show they possess the firearm for a lawful purpose.
The burden is therefore on the individual to provide a legitimate explanation for having the firearm.
[siren wailing]
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