April Firearm Tip

If you're not tracing your firearms through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives e-Trace system, you're agency is missing out on some vital statistical information. Tracing provides law enforcement agencies a historical view of the firearm from the first sale by the manufacturer or importer to the first retail purchaser.

Additionally, a trace can also link a suspect to a firearm in a criminal investigation, highlight potential traffickers and provide statistical information to your investigations unit. These are just a few of the benefits.

For more information, contact the ATF customer service office @ 800.788.7133 or log onto https://www.atfonline.gov/etrace/ to apply for your MOU and get started now!

Lastly, consider inviting your local ATF agent to make a presentation at your agency. You might be surprised at what you may not know!

March Firearm Tip

In addition to the 2012 Penal Code changes on the Law Enforcement Gun Release Application or “LEGRA”, your legal department and agency head may wish to take this opportunity to revisit  the language relating to possessor/ownership requirements on your Notice of Rights and Receipt as well as your Firearm Policy.

Honing your Notice of Rights and Property Receipt and Firearm Policy will:

• Provide for the update of new penal codes on all documents;
• Define your return policy for the possessor and agency employees;
• Reduce confusion for officers in the field when faced with questions regarding any firearm confiscation;
• Reduce or lessen liability issues for your agency.

Visit the California Attorney General’s website to review the 2012 LEGRA.

February Firearm Tip

If a firearm appears to be involved in a suicide or attempted suicide, it must be entered into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System as a “Crime Gun”.

You may also contact the California Department of Justice Firearms Unit for further information at 916.263.4887 or visit their website.