ACHIEVING NATIONAL CONSISTENCY FOR FIREARMS MANAGEMENT
27 November 2009
CrimTrac is developing a National Firearms Identification Database (NFID) to address inconsistencies in methods of identifying and recording firearms and reduce the potential for registration mistakes, Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, announced today.
"The central database aims to establish national standards for identifying firearms, in order to promote improved consistency of definitions and descriptions of firearms nationally," Mr O'Connor said.
The national capability would be designed to meet the requirements of jurisdictional police services.
"Each police jurisdiction already has its own management system but there is a recognised need for a more consistent, national view of firearms records," Mr O'Connor said.
"To achieve this consistent view, one national standard in firearms descriptions will be developed to inform the regulatory recording of firearms in Australia. This will involve the establishment of a central firearms identification database, which will be accessible via a web-based reference tool."
The reference tool will make searching the database easier by offering lists of possible matches based on answers to questions regarding make, model, type, action, category and calibre. The tool will include up to three images of each matching firearm. These images will display the location of firearm specific markings such as manufacturer logos and the locations of serial numbers as well as a full side view of the firearm.
The findings of a feasibility study conducted by CrimTrac suggest that a national approach to firearms identification would reduce the risk of misidentified firearms crossing borders and transferring into illegal possession.
"A central system of consistent records will enable matching of same or similar data values across the body of national records held, which will improve the visibility of a firearm’s history because it leaves a more consistent record trail when it is moved from state to state and when ownership is transferred," Mr O'Connor said.
"Improved national data consistency also enables the capability to electronically narrow down possible matches against recovered firearms, narrowing the scope of investigations and reducing the overheads involved."
The new national capability will be based on the Victorian Weapons Identification Database System (WIDS). One of the most effective firearm identification databases in Australia, which can be accessed by police, licence holders and dealers who have access to the internet.
"Licence holders may choose to access the NFID system to validate the registration details of their firearms. Firearms are expensive and owners are expected to want to ensure that their property is correctly recorded for insurance purposes among other reasons."
Following the project's recent endorsement by the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management – Police, CrimTrac will implement the national system in 2012.
Media Contact: Brian Humphreys 0438 595 567
