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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CHAPTER 4<br />
STRUCTURES AND INSTITUTIONS NECESSARY TO<br />
SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVE OPERATION OF A<br />
FIREARMS TRACING MECHANISM<br />
Gary L. Thomas<br />
<strong>The</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> Alcohol, Tobacco <strong>and</strong> Firearms (ATF) is presenting this<br />
paper to assist States in developing the structures <strong>and</strong> institutions necessary<br />
to support the effective operation <strong>of</strong> a firearms tracing mechanism. <strong>Tracing</strong><br />
is a powerful law en<strong>for</strong>cement weapon in fighting firearms-related violent<br />
crime <strong>and</strong> illegal trafficking.<br />
When we speak <strong>of</strong> firearms tracing, we ordinarily refer to the<br />
systematic process <strong>of</strong> tracking a recovered crime gun’s history from its<br />
source (the manufacturer or importer) through the chain <strong>of</strong> distribution<br />
(wholesaler/distributor) to the first retail buyer <strong>and</strong>, ultimately, to the last<br />
individual possessor <strong>of</strong> the firearm. 1 Of course, there are several<br />
mechanisms to accomplish this, many <strong>of</strong> which begin at an earlier stage in<br />
the lifespan <strong>of</strong> the firearm. For example, in some tracing mechanisms there<br />
is a record kept at every transfer <strong>of</strong> the firearm, expediting the tracing<br />
process to the last lawful possessor. In any event, the tracing <strong>of</strong> firearms is<br />
generally understood to begin with a recovered firearm, usually by law<br />
en<strong>for</strong>cement in the context <strong>of</strong> a crime, <strong>and</strong> end, if successful, with the<br />
firearm’s last possessor.<br />
<strong>The</strong> question <strong>of</strong>ten arises why a gun should be traced, especially if the<br />
perpetrator has been apprehended. <strong>The</strong> first reason is <strong>of</strong>ten because the<br />
individual arrested was not lawfully in possession <strong>of</strong> the firearm, <strong>and</strong> there<br />
is every incentive to find out how an unauthorized individual obtained it.<br />
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