APD Launches “Save 2 Casings” to help Track and Trace Lost and Stolen Firearms
Thurs. Aug. 18, 2022
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department has launched a new program to help track and trace lost and stolen firearms.
The project, titled “Save 2 Casings” was created with responsible firearm owners in mind. This is a community effort and partnership with local law enforcement to help law enforcement track a firearm after it is lost or stolen.
The program meets one of the goals of Mayor Tim Keller’s Metro Crime Initiative. Community leaders recommended several solutions to fighting crime, including an effort to urge gun owners to self-record serial numbers.
The Save 2 Casings process is simple. A gun owner places two spent casings inside an envelope provided by APD. On that envelope, the owner will write down the make, model, caliber and serial number of their firearm. If the firearm is ever lost or stolen, while filing a police report a gun owner can provide officers with the two spent casings. If the gun is ever used in the commission of a crime after its lost or stolen, it better helps law enforcement track that weapon.
“We have seen a high volume of firearms getting into the wrong hands across Albuquerque, and used in violent crimes,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We hope the community will partner with us and use this program as a preventative measure to help keep our community safe.”
When officers are provided the spent casings, they will be entered into NIBIN, the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. NIBIN only captures and stores firearms evidence from fired ammunition components as part of a criminal investigation.
Informational flyers and the envelopes to store the two spent casings are in each area command’s sub stations. APD has also partnered with several local gun ranges and firearm retailers to spread the word and teamed up for this program.
There is no cost associated with this program and participation is completely voluntary but strongly encouraged.
For more information about “Save 2 Casings” please visit APD’s website. You can also find helpful information in a video found here.
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