Topic: eTRACE (Electronic Tracking and Control of Evidence)
Created By:
Shreya
Volunteer
Shivi Forensics
I. Introduction
In forensic terms, eTRACE is an essential investigative tool used in firearm forensics In forensic terms, eTRACE is an essential investigative tool used in firearm forensics to track and trace the provenance of firearms . It allows forensic investigators and law enforcement agencies to identify the chain of custody and the origin of a firearm involved in criminal activities. The system helps trace firearms back to their manufacturer, distributor, and first retail purchaser, establishing an ownership history that can be crucial in criminal investigations.
In the context of forensic investigations, eTRACE contributes to:
1. Firearm Identification Assists in determining the legal origins of a firearm found at a crime scene.
2. Chain of Custody: Tracks the movement of the firearm from manufacturing to sale, helping establish its journey before the crime.
3. Linking Suspects to Crimes: Identifies possible connections between individuals, illegal firearm transfers, or trafficking networks, which can serve as key evidence in court.
4. Evidence Management: Provides accurate records that can be used to validate the legitimacy of evidence presented in legal proceedings.
Overall, eTRACE streamlines the process of firearm tracing, ensuring that investigators have access to reliable data that supports forensic analysis and criminal investigations.
II. History of eTRACE
eTRACE is a web-based tool developed by the ATF in 2005 to modernize and streamline the process of firearm tracing. It allows law enforcement to electronically track the origins and movements of firearms used in crimes, using information like serial numbers, make, and model. This system replaced the older, manual methods of tracing, providing faster results and helping law enforcement link firearms to suspects, crimes, and trafficking networks. The development of eTRACE was based on the ATF’s long history of firearm regulation, including the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968, which mandated records of firearm sales.
Initially aimed at U.S. law enforcement, eTRACE has since expanded internationally, used in over 100 countries to combat illegal gun trafficking. It has been pivotal in operations like Operation Fast and Furious, illustrating its value in tracking firearms across borders. Constantly evolving with enhanced data collection and analysis, eTRACE plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, providing real-time data that assists law enforcement in solving firearm-related crimes and dismantling trafficking networks.
III. Function and working
eTRACE functions as a firearm tracing tool that allows law enforcement agencies to track the life cycle of a firearm, from its manufacture to its first retail sale. It provides essential data that helps link firearms used in crimes to suspects or trafficking operations. By inputting details such as the firearm’s make, model, and serial number, law enforcement can trace the weapon’s history. The system leverages the database maintained by the ATF, which includes records from licensed firearm manufacturers, importers, and dealers. This trace process aids in identifying where the firearm was originally purchased and by whom, establishing crucial connections between the firearm and criminal activity.
The working of eTRACE is simple yet effective. Law enforcement officers submit a trace request online through the eTRACE platform, detailing the firearm information they have from a crime scene or investigation. The system then cross-references this data with the ATF’s records to identify the weapon’s point of origin and subsequent transactions. The results, which include information about the firearm’s sale and potential ownership, are returned to the requesting agency. This real-time access allows for rapid investigation into how a firearm moved through legal channels, and potentially into illegal hands, aiding in solving crimes and breaking down gun trafficking networks. eTRACE’s global reach also enables international agencies to collaborate more efficiently in tracking firearms across borders.
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