The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...

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3.9 TRACING MODALITIES
National intelligence agencies have established communication
networks for exchanging information with counterparts in the intelligence
community to trace small arms and light weapons. Where the ultimate
objective is to prosecute, intelligence channels can be used covertly first to
identify the point where law enforcement agencies should subsequently
begin an investigation. This approach protects the source of the information
previously exploited by the intelligence service. Where disruption is the
only realistic outcome, then matters will remain almost exclusively with the
intelligence and security agencies and may result in political intervention
rather than prosecution.
As such, there tends to be a two-tier approach to gaining access to
national records. For example in the UK, police route their tracing requests
through the National Firearms Tracing Service (NFTS) within the Interpol
National Central Bureau (NCB) at the National Criminal Intelligence Service
(NCIS). Depending on the nature of the investigation, the enquiry will then
be forwarded to the equivalent NCB in the country of manufacture or last
known point of transfer to make potentially overt enquiries. Alternatively,
the NFTS can send a parallel enquiry to the Security Service (MI5) in
London for a more confidential approach. Tracing military weapons will be
handled internally by the Ministry of Defence. Cross-border enquiries about
military weapons believed to have been illicitly trafficked may also involve
the Security Service. Where practicable, subsequent prosecutions will be
handled by either police or customs.