Top of Page
Turks & Caicos — Gun Facts, Figures and the LawStockpilesGun NumbersCivilian GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Number of Privately Owned FirearmsThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Turks & Caicos is 2017: 1,0001 Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Turks & Caicos is 2017: 3.301 Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Turks & Caicos ranked at No. 1992 Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a comparison of the rate of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Turks & Caicos ranked at No.1322 Number of Registered FirearmsGovernment GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Number of Law Enforcement FirearmsPolice in Turks & Caicos are reported to have 1004 firearms ImpactsDeath and InjuryTotal Number of Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Homicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual homicides by any means total 2015: 45 2014: 2 2013: 3 2009: 1 2008: 2 2007: 2 2005: 0 2004: 0 2003: 0 2002: 2 2001: 0 2000: 0 1999: 06 1998: 0 Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Male Homicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Homicide Victims (any method)Gun HomicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleMale Gun Homicide VictimsRate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleFemale Gun Homicide VictimsSuicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)Male Suicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Suicide Victims (any method)Gun SuicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleRate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleFemale Gun Suicide VictimsUnintentional Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleUnintentional Male Gun DeathsRate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleUnintentional Female Gun DeathsGun Deaths from Undetermined CauseBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.TransfersGun Trade and TraffickingFirearm ImportsIn Turks & Caicos, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law10
Regulation of Arms BrokersIn Turks & Caicos, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law12 End User CertificatesCustoms regulations in Turks & Caicos do not include12 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use MeasuresGun RegulationFirearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in Turks & Caicos is categorised as restrictive13 Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in Turks & Caicos includes the Firearms Ordinance of 200914 Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in Turks & Caicos are regulated by the Commissioner of Police15 Restricted Firearms and AmmunitionGun Ownership and PossessionIn Turks & Caicos, only licensed gun owners21 15 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition Genuine Reason Required for Firearm PossessionApplicants for a gun owner’s licence in Turks & Caicos are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm22 Minimum Age for Firearm PossessionThe minimum age for gun ownership in Turks & Caicos is 18 years22 Gun Owner Background ChecksReference Required for Firearm LicenceIn Turks & Caicos, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required22 Partner to be Advised or InterviewedIn Turks & Caicos, licensing authorities are not required12 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Turks & Caicos does not stipulate12 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked Firearm Safety TrainingIn Turks & Caicos, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required20 for a firearm licence Gun Owner Licensing PeriodIn Turks & Caicos, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every year24 Limit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in Turks & Caicos are permitted to possess any number of firearms12 Firearm RegistrationCivilian Gun RegistrationIn Turks & Caicos, the law requires26 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn Turks & Caicos, licensed firearm dealers are required27 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority Gun Manufacturer Record KeepingIn Turks & Caicos, licensed gun makers are required27 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority Gun Sales and TransfersRegulation of Private Gun SalesRegulation of Dealer Gun SalesWaiting Period for Gun PossessionIn Turks & Caicos, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined12 Regulation of Gun ShowsIn Turks & Caicos, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated12 in law Storage and Transport of Guns and AmmunitionFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm regulations in Turks & Caicos include20 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in Turks & Caicos do not include12 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit MeasuresInternational ControlsUnited Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, Turks & Caicos is not a Member State of the United Nations34 Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list35 Turks & Caicos as a Participating State BackgroundSustainable Development Goal ProfileAbout SDG 16The 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 16,36 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. Homicides (any method)ChartIn Turks & Caicos, annual homicides by any means total 2015: 45 2014: 2 2013: 3 2009: 1 2008: 2 2007: 2 2005: 0 2004: 0 2003: 0 2002: 2 2001: 0 2000: 0 1999: 06 1998: 0 Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Male Homicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Homicide Victims (any method)Gun HomicidesRate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleMale Gun Homicide VictimsRate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 PeopleFemale Gun Homicide VictimsMarking and TracingFirearm MarkingIn Turks & Caicos, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law26 Firearm TracingIn Turks & Caicos, state authorities do not carry out12 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures Ballistic Record of Firearms and AmmunitionIn Turks & Caicos, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally12 recorded in a register Global Peace IndexTo see where Turks & Caicos ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Turks & Caicos on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page |
Short References
- 1.
-
2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation
- 2.
-
2022.‘Calculated Ranking.’ Estimating global civilian-held firearm numbers..Geneva:GunPolicy.org,30 June. (Q15876)Full Citation
- 3.
-
GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation - 4.
-
2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation
- 5.
-
2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation
- 6.
-
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
- 7.
-
2009.‘Gunsmith Trading Illegally.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8998)Full Citation
- 8.
-
2009.‘Gunsmith's Name to Be Displayed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8999)Full Citation
- 9.
-
2022.‘Exported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16040)Full Citation
- 10.
-
2009.‘Importation of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8994)Full Citation
- 11.
-
2022.‘Imported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16041)Full Citation
- 12.
-
2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q12073)Full Citation
- 13.
-
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
- 14.
-
2009.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8989)Full Citation
- 15.
-
2009.‘Licences and Fees.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8991)Full Citation
- 16.
-
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
- 17.
-
2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation
- 18.
-
2009.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9003)Full Citation
- 19.
-
2009.‘Fees for Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9027)Full Citation
- 20.
-
2009. ‘$2m in Arms Imported by Islanders.’ Turks & Caicos Weekly News. 17 July. (N172) Full Citation
- 21.
-
2009.‘Firearm to Be Licensed.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8990)Full Citation
- 22.
-
2009.‘Certificate of Fitness.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8992)Full Citation
- 23.
-
2009.‘Revocation of Insane Person's Licence.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8997)Full Citation
- 24.
-
2009.‘Licence to Expire on 31st December.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8996)Full Citation
- 25.
-
2009.‘Restrictions on Sale of Ammunition.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q8993)Full Citation
- 26.
-
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
- 27.
-
2009.‘Books to Be Kept by Licensed Gunsmith.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9000)Full Citation
- 28.
-
2009.‘Disposal of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9001)Full Citation
- 29.
-
2009.‘Sale to Intoxicated or Insane Persons Prohibited.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9002)Full Citation
- 30.
-
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
- 31.
-
GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation - 32.
-
2009.‘Surrender of Firearms.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9026)Full Citation
- 33.
-
2009.‘Penalties for Certain Offences.’ Firearms Ordinance, Revised Edition of 2009.Cockburn Town:Law Revision Commissioner,31 August. (Q9004)Full Citation
- 34.
-
2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation
- 35.
-
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
- 36.
-
2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation
