eTrace

Internet-based Firearms Tracing and Analysis

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

   See also the instructional videos on "Firearms Evidence"

What is Firearms Tracing?

Firearms tracing is the systematic tracking of the movement of a firearm recovered by law enforcement officials from its first sale by the manufacturer or importer through the distribution chain (wholesaler/retailer) to the first retail purchaser.

Why Trace Firearms?

• To link a suspect to a firearm in a criminal investigation;
• To identify potential traffickers, whether licensed or unlicensed sellers; and
• When sufficiently comprehensive tracing is undertaken by a given community, to detect in-state, interstate, and international patterns in the sources and kinds of crime guns.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Read the report:

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