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Turks & Caicos — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 21 2
2008: 2
2005: 0
2004: 0
2003: 0
2002: 2
2001: 0
2000: 0
1999: 02
1998: 0

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Turks & Caicos, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 6.61 2
2008: 6.8
2005: 0.0
2004: 0.0
2003: 0.0
2002: 11.3
2001: 0.0
2000: 0.0
1999: 0.02
1998: 0.0
1997: 12.8
1996: 6.7
1995: 7.1

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Turks & Caicos, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence3 4

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Firearm Exports

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Turks & Caicos is reported by Customs to be US$22,9055 (2011)

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Firearm Imports

In Turks & Caicos, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law6

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Turks & Caicos is reported by Customs to be US$44,2785 (2011)7

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Turks & Caicos, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law8

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Turks & Caicos do not include8 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Turks & Caicos is categorised as restrictive9

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Turks & Caicos includes the Firearms Ordinance of 200910

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Turks & Caicos are regulated by the Commissioner of Police11

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Turks & Caicos, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law12 13

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Turks & Caicos, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms14 15

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Turks & Caicos, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence15

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Regulation of Handguns

In Turks & Caicos, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence15 7

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Law Regulates Long Guns

In Turks & Caicos, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law15

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Turks & Caicos, only licensed gun owners16 11 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Turks & Caicos are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm17

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Turks & Caicos is 18 years17

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Turks & Caicos must pass a background check which considers criminal11 and mental health18 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Turks & Caicos, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required17

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In Turks & Caicos, licensing authorities are not required8 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Turks & Caicos does not stipulate8 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Turks & Caicos, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required7 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Turks & Caicos, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every year19

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Turks & Caicos are permitted to possess any number of firearms8

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Turks & Caicos are permitted to possess only the quantity of ammunition indicated in the licence16 20

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Turks & Caicos, the law requires21 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Turks & Caicos, licensed firearm dealers are required22 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Turks & Caicos, licensed gun makers are required22 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Turks & Caicos, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited unless registered by the Commissioner of Police23 24

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Turks & Caicos, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful3 11 20 24 4

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Turks & Caicos, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined8

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Turks & Caicos, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated8 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Turks & Caicos include7 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Turks & Caicos do not include8 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Turks & Caicos, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law21

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Firearm Tracing

In Turks & Caicos, state authorities do not carry out8 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Turks & Caicos, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not8 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Turks & Caicos, carrying a gun in a public place is permitted under licence11 25

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Turks & Caicos, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm26 is two years in prison or a $40,000 fine16 27 28

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Turks & Caicos is not a Member State of the United Nations29

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list30 Turks & Caicos as a Participating State

Short References

1.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Turks & Caicos.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10158)Full Citation

2.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Turks and Caicos Islands.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6352)Full Citation

3.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Gunsmith Trading Illegally.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8998)Full Citation

4.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Gunsmith's Name to Be Displayed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8999)Full Citation

5.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

6.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Importation of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8994)Full Citation

7.

Gemma Handy. 2009. ‘$2m in Arms Imported by Islanders.’ Turks & Caicos Weekly News. 17 July. (N172) Full Citation

8.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q12073)Full Citation

9.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

10.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8989)Full Citation

11.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licences and Fees.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8991)Full Citation

12.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

13.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

14.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9003)Full Citation

15.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Fees for Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9027)Full Citation

16.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Firearm to Be Licensed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8990)Full Citation

17.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Certificate of Fitness.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8992)Full Citation

18.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Revocation of Insane Person's Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8997)Full Citation

19.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licence to Expire on 31st December.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8996)Full Citation

20.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Restrictions on Sale of Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8993)Full Citation

21.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Owner to Describe All Firearms on His Declaration Before Obtaining Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9028)Full Citation

22.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Books to Be Kept by Licensed Gunsmith.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9000)Full Citation

23.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Disposal of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9001)Full Citation

24.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Sale to Intoxicated or Insane Persons Prohibited.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9002)Full Citation

25.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Licence Required to Carry Firearm in Public Place.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8995)Full Citation

26.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

27.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Surrender of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9026)Full Citation

28.

Turks & Caicos.2009.‘Penalties for Certain Offences.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9004)Full Citation

29.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

30.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation