Washington WSP background check and stolen guns

[gmerkt]

Since the Wash. State Patrol took over firearm purchase background checks, the process now involves a serial number check of the gun. Previously, this was not a universal process. Some local jurisdictions had laws on the books causing gun dealers and pawn shops to report serial numbers of guns they bought from walk-ins and so forth. Now it happens statewide on every gun transfer.

I was trying to find the basis for this in the last law that was passed on the subject. If it's there, I couldn't find it. But I did find some information on the system set up for the WSP to do the BGC's. Here is a description of the SAFE system they use:

"Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE)● SAFE is the system used by FFLs to submit their background checks● The system is based on the data fields of the ATF Form 4473 and DOL Firearm Transfer Application to eliminate duplication of data entry● Provides a secure online portal for FFLs to use for all background check submissions● Telephonic submission option● Real time dashboard providing current status of all submitted background checks● Allows for the printing of the ATF Form 4473 and Firearm Transfer Application (FTA)● Available application programming interface (API) for FFLs who are using a point of sale system● Automated query approach● SAFE will check multiple data sources simultaneously● SAFE will have the ability to automatically proceed or deny checks based on specific criteria● This means most transferees (who have nothing in their background) will be proceeded quickly, likely thesame day. Expecting to be much like NICS e-check timeframes● Will provide monthly invoicing and statements for fee submissions to WSP● No longer will checks or the FTA form be mailed to Department of Licensing● Will NOT auto-debit a bank account or allow for payments to be made directly into SAFE"

So in the text above, is the phrase, "SAFE will check multiple data sources simultaneously." Which it would seem includes the FBI's National Crime Information Center database, which includes the National Stolen Gun File.

Correct me if I'm wrong, this requirement wasn't in the legislation but added in administratively by whomever designed the SAFE system.

Once a gun makes the National Stolen Gun File, it never goes away until it's officially cleared by a law enforcement agency.

This bears a few comments re. "then and now." Private sales transfer without using an FFL dealer stopped in Wash. in 2014. Prior to that time, a great many gun sales were person-to-person with no FFL dealer involvement. Those off-paper guns could've come from anywhere; there was no universal system for vetting a gun's serial number. In fact, it was several years after the WSP was mandated to do the checks before they got the current system up and running. Saying it in plain language, there were any number of stolen guns circulating at gun shows and similar venues that were unwittingly transferred from one person to another. Some probably changed hands several times since being stolen.

Now they are coming out of the woodwork. Guns stolen 25, 30 and 35 years ago are turning up in attempted transfers. I'm sure the pols and law enforcement agencies like the statistics (and optics) they are getting out of this. Meaning, they can report the increase in stolen guns recovered, interpreted as a decrease in the crime rate. Not that brilliant police work is to be credited, but routine computer screening. But no crime is actually solved, no crooks are caught. This is not the same thing as catching crooks in the active possession of a stolen firearm.

When the SAFE process detects that a stolen gun is involved, the transfer process is flagged and the dealer is immediately told "do not proceed." The WSP sends a message to the authorities in the jurisdiction where the gun is located and that agency takes possession of the stolen property. Which is then returned to the jurisdiction where it was reported stolen. That agency attempts to return the stolen gun to the original owner. Which may or may not be successful if the theft was long in the past. If they are unable to locate a rightful owner, state unclaimed property laws take effect. Unless the original reporting agency is governed by local policies that dictate otherwise.

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[Tony617]

It is currently $18 to use the SAFE system. I used the SAFE when bought few guns and my FFL just adds it to cost of the transfer. You need to fill out the SAFE system form and be sure you select save your data for 30 days otherwise it is deleted. Then you send the confirmation code that you get to your FFL. My FFL keeps a small inventory of firearms but he had order my Ruger 10/22 since he did have on in his inventory.

 

[Aught Six]

Sure glad we got our CPL before all this. The 357 she carries used to be a INS agnets firearm, bought from a retired WSP.
I doubt its stolen.

 

[Member 86767]

Interesting stuff. Where are the stats on the, lets call them "long ago stolen firearms"? We have not run into that here where I work.

I have a weird fascination with just exactly how firearms get stolen and into a black or grey market. Most are stolen out of cars I am pretty sure. A good lock box is a decent deterrent.