Municipal LEO Access to PSP Firearms Purchase Database

[JCWohlschlag]

In a recent thread, I mentioned the contents of this rather dated post, which I have quoted below:

Originally Posted by JohnUSCG

CZ...I have done some extensive research on this over the past few days and have spoken directly to PSP and several other local officers. Since it seemed that I was not 'in the loop', so to speak.
'Registry' or 'Database' or whatever you would like to call it does exist (much to my surprise) but it CANNOT!!! be legally accessed by municipal LEO's. Each terminal that is linked to CLEAN or NCIC is logged into using that specific officers 'login' and each transaction they do is logged. These transactions are monitored and audited (annually) by the PSP. HEAVEN HELP the municipal officer here in PA who accessses something that is is not allowed to or makes an unauthorized search on ANY database. This includes licence and vehicle registration info, etc. It is ILLEGAL. A direct quote from PSP..."WE will charge any officer who misueses the system, PERIOD. No exceptions."
I again, restate, that this is all a moot point because in my opinion.....just the existence of such a registry or database is illegal.
I am not always right.......but when I am wrong I like to know the ENTIRE facts.

After going back and finding this post, I have to call the credibility of the information into question since I am unable to find any other posts or information on the subject. My search-fu may be weakened by only being able to do a Google-based search of the site, though. Does anyone here have any evidence or information they can offer that either supports or goes against whether the Pennsylvania State Police allow or disallow municipal law enforcement officers to access the handgun purchase database?

[CZ40P]

Municipal Officers have access to this info indirectly through the county 911 system.
steveinpa explained it in a previous post.

[ihunt49]

A friend of mine is PSP. I'm going to talk to him this weekend and will ask him about the "database".

[HiredGoon]

Originally Posted by ihunt49

A friend of mine is PSP. I'm going to talk to him this weekend and will ask him about the "database".

But then if he tells you...he will have to silence you

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by HiredGoon

But then if he tells you...he will have to silence you

It was nice knowing ya, ihunt49...

[Steve in PA]

The only access a municipal officer has to any data bases are through JNET www.pajnet.state.pa.us

I do not know of any officer that has direct access to the PSP "registry".

[gnbrotz]

Originally Posted by Steve in PA

The only access a municipal officer has to any data bases are through JNET www.pajnet.state.pa.us

I do not know of any officer that has direct access to the PSP "registry".

Understood. But do you agree or disagree that some are indirectly accessing it via 911 center, etc - as in Dickson City - they clearly (illegally) verified ownership, as the failure to accomplish this on two counts led to futher issues for two involved?

[Steve in PA]

The "indirect" access does happen, but the 911 dispatchers have no idea why you are requesting the info and it is not their place to question your request.

I do agree that many officers are using the "data base" as a registry. I hear officers calling in traffic stops and after several minutes asking the dispatcher to run a serial number. I'm sure the driver mentioned he was carrying and the officer took the gun for no other reason than to run the serial number.

Taking and securing the firearm during the stop is one thing (often debated by many), but routinely running the serial number is another. Just as in the infamous DC debackle, what if the serial number is not on file? What if the gun comess back to a spouse, parent, child, or friend????

There is no requirement that the gun be in the "data base", but very, very....very few officers know this.

[HiredGoon]

Originally Posted by Steve in PA

...
There is no requirement that the gun be in the "data base", but very, very....very few officers know this.

So, Steve, in your professional opinion then... what is the best way to get them to know this?

[bigbear]

Contact MPOETC, the training commission for Municipal Police officers, and ask that they include this training in the yearly updates.