Good (possibly) : Cops Use Data Base-Recover Stolen Firearms

[JoJoGunn]

Charleston police find success with database
October 05, 2009 @ 06:44 AM

The Associated Press

Herald-Dispatch.com

CHARLESTON — An online database has enabled Charleston police to recover more than $80,000 in stolen property over a four-month period.

Sgt. Eric Hodges says the LeadsOnline database enables officers to track items that have been taken to a pawn shop, even out of state.

In one case, Charleston police nabbed two people who had taken stolen guns to shops across southern West Virginia. Detective Jarl Taylor says investigators had noticed the same names popping up numerous times in the database.

More than 50 stolen guns were recovered from the various pawnshops. The suspects had received more than $10,000 for the guns, which were valued at more than $50,000.

LeadsOnline’s Web site says law enforcement agencies across the country are using its search engine

Charleston police find success with database - The Herald Dispatch

As long as this is used to catch the law breaking people, that seems to be ok. However, there is also the possibility this can be used against people who buy guns from individuals. The other question is do the rightful owners of the stolen firearms get them back?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[SIXTO]

It goes into the system after it is reported stolen. Cop finds stolen gun, calls person who reported it stolen. Gun is taken out of system after it is recovered.

[JoJoGunn]

Thanks Sixto, makes me feel a bit better about this system! Believe me, I'm cop friendly, have a friend who is one in FL that me and wife recently visited. I guess some of my comment could be misconstrued as paranoid of Gov't intrusion into our lives.

[paramedic70002]

Of course it would be nice if everybody could access the data. Especially the pawn shops who are out some honest $$$.

Why would you NOT post info on stolen items?