The National Firearms Identification Database (NFID) project was formed in response to a Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management – Police (MCPEMP) resolution that CrimTrac develop a National Firearms Identification Database (NFID) to address inconsistencies in methods of identifying and recording firearms, reducing the potential for registration mistakes. The project is being conducted in collaboration with National Law Enforcement Agencies and will be designed to meet the requirements of jurisdictional police services.
While each police jurisdiction already has its own management system there is a recognised need for a more consistent, national view of firearms records. To achieve this consistent view, one national standard in firearms descriptions will be developed to inform the regulatory recording of firearms in Australia. Development of this national standard will involve the establishment of a central firearms identification database, which will be accessible via a web-based reference tool by police, licence holders and dealers who have access to the internet.
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.
Following the project’s recent endorsement by the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management – Police, CrimTrac will implement the national system in 2012.
Benefits
The benefits of NFID will be improved community safety through: