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Pitcairn — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Pitcairn is

2002: 201

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Pitcairn, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is prohibited2 3

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Pitcairn, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law4 5

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Firearm Imports

In Pitcairn, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law2 4 6

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

ChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Pitcairn is reported by Customs to be US$

2009: 2,0007
2008: 13,000

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

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

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Pitcairn 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 Pitcairn is categorised as restrictive9

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Pitcairn includes the Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations,10 and the Firearms Offences (Prosecution and Punishment) Ordinance11

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Pitcairn are regulated by the local Police Officer, the Mayor, and the Governor's Representative12 13

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Pitcairn, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law14 15 8

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Pitcairn, civilians are not allowed to possess any firearm with a barrel length less than 30cm or a total length of 60cm, automatic firearms, any rifle or shotgun larger than .22 calibre, any shotgun shorter than 40 inches in length, explosive or incendiary ammunition16

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In Pitcairn, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited16

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Pitcairn, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited16

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Regulation of Handguns

In Pitcairn, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited16

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Pitcairn, only licensed gun owners12 17 18 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 Pitcairn are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, animal and pest control12 17 19

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Pitcairn is 16 years20 21

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Pitcairn must pass a background check which considers criminal, good behaviour, mental health and addiction22 12 23 24 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Pitcairn, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required8

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

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

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Firearm Safety Training

In Pitcairn, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required8 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Pitcairn, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every three years12

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Licensing Records

In Pitcairn, authorities maintain a record25 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Pitcairn are permitted to possess only the nature and number of firearms authorised on the individual's firearm certificate25

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Pitcairn are permitted to possess only the quantities of ammunition authorised on the individual's firearm certificate25

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Pitcairn, the law requires25 26 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Pitcairn, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited without a firearm certificate and unless registered by the Police26 2

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Pitcairn do not include8 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 Pitcairn do not include8 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Pitcairn, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm27 is six months in prison11

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Pitcairn is not a Member State of the United Nations28

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list29 Pitcairn as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

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About SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part. SDG 16,30 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2). In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In Pitcairn, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is not required by law13

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Firearm Tracing

In Pitcairn, state authorities do not carry out8 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Pitcairn, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally8 recorded in a register

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Global Peace Index

To see where Pitcairn ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Pitcairn on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

1.

Guardian UK. 2004. ‘Guns to be Surrendered on Pitcairn.’ Guardian (UK) / AP. 11 August. (N71) Full Citation

2.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Trading in firearms.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q734)Full Citation

3.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Business and Other Transactions with Firearms and Ammunition.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q739)Full Citation

4.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Power to Prohibit Movement of Arms and Ammunition.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q741)Full Citation

5.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Firearms About to be Exported.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4952)Full Citation

6.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Requirement of Firearm Certificate.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q723)Full Citation

7.

International Trade Centre (ITC).2022.‘Imported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16041)Full Citation

8.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Short Title.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4947)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.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Short Title.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4946)Full Citation

11.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Prosecution and Punishment of Offences: Table of Punishments.’ Firearms Offences (Prosecution and Punishment) Ordinance [Cap 40], Chapter XL.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q737)Full Citation

12.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Applications for Certificates.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4945)Full Citation

13.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Mayor's Power to Make Rules.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q735)Full Citation

14.

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

15.

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

16.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Weapons Subject to General Prohibition.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q731)Full Citation

17.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Special Provisions for Shot Gun Certificates.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q732)Full Citation

18.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Requirement of Certificate for Possession of Shotgun.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4948)Full Citation

19.

Guardian UK. 2004. ‘Guns to be Surrendered on Pitcairn.’ Guardian (UK) / AP. 11 August. (N72) Full Citation

20.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Acquisition and Possession of Firearms by Young Persons.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q728)Full Citation

21.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Supplying Firearms to Young Persons.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4949)Full Citation

22.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Possession of Firearm by Previously Convicted Person.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q727)Full Citation

23.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Supplying Firearms to Persons Drunk or of Unsound Mind.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4950)Full Citation

24.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Revocation of Certificates.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q4951)Full Citation

25.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Form of Firearm Certificate.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q730)Full Citation

26.

Pitcairn.2003.‘Transactions Involving Firearms.’ Local Government (Firearms Control) Regulations.Pitcairn:Island Council of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands,28 March. (Q733)Full Citation

27.

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

28.

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

29.

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

30.

United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation