State laws typically require community members to report if their personal firearm is lost or stolen; however, many individuals do not get around to doing so. Law enforcement agencies can encourage community members to report lost or stolen guns through tailored programs. For example, the Operation Save-a-Casing campaign encourages citizens to submit firearm casings to the police department after their gun has been stolen. The police department submits the casings to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, which can be searched for possible matches in crimes. Better reporting of lost and stolen guns can decrease access to illicit firearms and gun trafficking.
Gun Violence Resource Hub
Lost/Stolen Gun Reporting
Type of Strategy:
Proactive Law Enforcement
Proactive Law Enforcement
Gun violence prevention area(s):
Access to Firearms
Access to Firearms