The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
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agencies. Access to systems, such as IWETS, is limited to police agencies<br />
accredited with Interpol who meet specific law en<strong>for</strong>cement or criminal<br />
justice criteria. Similarly, access to the FASTRACS system behind SALSA will<br />
be via encrypted Internet channels <strong>and</strong> restricted to authorized agencies,<br />
which will be issued with individual User Names <strong>and</strong> Passwords.<br />
It is questionable, there<strong>for</strong>e, whether access to such systems would be<br />
provided direct to NGOs. In the first instance, the application may have to<br />
come from the local police agency with which the NGOs are working in<br />
partnership. In addition, many countries have legislation prohibiting access<br />
to personal data unless to specific law en<strong>for</strong>cement or criminal justice<br />
agencies.<br />
3.7 STORAGE MEDIUMS<br />
Computerization is essential. Manually trawling through paper records<br />
involves a disproportionate cost in man-hours to the point where it has<br />
become prohibitively expensive <strong>for</strong> law en<strong>for</strong>cement agencies to<br />
undertake. It is essential that data storage systems are designed with rapid<br />
search <strong>and</strong> retrieval features to facilitate subsequent tracing requests. It<br />
must be remembered that tracing weapons on behalf <strong>of</strong> law en<strong>for</strong>cement<br />
agencies is not the core business <strong>of</strong> arms manufacturers <strong>and</strong>, there<strong>for</strong>e,<br />
introducing automated systems that reduce the burden on their staff<br />
responding to tracing requests must be seen as an advantage.<br />
Good practice involves storage <strong>of</strong> imagery together with descriptive<br />
detail. One sample photograph can be used <strong>for</strong> each batch <strong>of</strong> identical<br />
make <strong>and</strong> model weapons together with a list <strong>of</strong> the individual markings <strong>for</strong><br />
each weapon recorded in that batch. Imagery should be shared with law<br />
en<strong>for</strong>cement agencies to ensure that reference systems are kept up to date.<br />
For example, the RCMP FRT should be updated with all new designs <strong>and</strong><br />
model changes <strong>for</strong> civilian <strong>and</strong> military weapons to maintain the integrity <strong>of</strong><br />
the system.<br />
3.8 MODALITIES FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION AND<br />
OPERATING A TRACING MECHANISM<br />
Interpol utilizes two systems <strong>for</strong> communicating in<strong>for</strong>mation: Orange<br />
Notices <strong>and</strong> IWETS. Orange Notices are the traditional method <strong>of</strong>