NCJ Number
135745
Date Published
1991
Length
49 pages
Annotation
The use of automated checks of criminal records is discussed as a means of identification of persons disqualified from purchasing firearms under Federal Law.
Abstract
Proposals and projects for automated checks are assessed covering point-of-sale instant checks used by Virginia, computerized national felons file, live scanning of fingerprints, or the issuance of smart cards to identify firearm purchasers. Focus is placed on identifying disqualified persons who were charged with a felony offense, were convicted of a felony offense, or were fugitives from justice. Also considered are automated checks of record systems that cover other disqualifying conditions such as users of illegal drugs; persons adjudicated as mental defectives or committed to mental institution; persons discharged dishonorably from military services, or those who have renounced their United States citizenship. The benefits, costs, and risks of automated checks are examined. In addition, the relationship is explored between automated record checks and waiting periods, the wide variability in State criminal record systems, and the challenges of improving the automation and quality of record systems.