The republic of trinidad and tobago Firearms Marking Procedures

The republic of

trinidad and tobagoFirearms Marking Procedures

Introduction Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a signatory to and has

ratified both

The UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and

Components and Ammunition&

The Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunitions, Explosives and other Related

MaterialsPresented by

16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Introduction con’t

Markings procedures and process as it relates to firearms entering the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has to be legislated by Parliament and enacted. There is no such legislation presently before the Parliament of T&T to conform to these treaties on firearms even though we are a signatory to them.

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Introduction con’t

Firearms are brought into TT for use by:

1. The Military, Police Service and private security firms. 2. Private citizens – for personal protection, sports etc., 3. Sporting organizations.

It must be noted that this country has no firearm manufacturing plants, we are importers of firearms. The firearms purchased by the Government for the Military and Police service are normally given a number that runs consecutively for identification. This practice may also be adopted by the security firms to have a company number affixed. 

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Introduction con’t

Before any markings for identification purposes, other markings or emblems can be placed on any firearm in TT, a Parliamentary committee has to be convened and documents presented for public consultation. On completion of such a process this document, with all its suggestions goes back to the committee and then to cabinet for approval.

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Marking Procedures and Process

This country has put in place for interim identification purposes the Integrated Ballistics Information System (I.B.I.S.). This is more for criminal proceedings worldwide.

Firearms owned by security firms and civilians bear no other mark than the manufacturer’s original. A policy by the Commissioner of Police has mandated that all firearms of the Defense Force, Police service, security companies and private citizens be subjected to ballistic testing. This information is then stored in (I.B.I.S) for future reference.

Ballistic testing is done at the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Center on all legally obtained firearms.

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

National Marking Practice (alternative)

Firearms used by the Police Service each have a serial number which runs consecutively. e.g. TTPS 1234, TTPS 1235, TTPS 1236

These numbers have been matched to the manufacturer’s serial number for record’s purposes. The numbers are usually hand stamped/punched or scribed onto the frame of the weapon. It is an archaic method.

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Advantages• Easier recording when issuing and

returning in the firearm registers.• Simple, easy to understand

numerical filing system.

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Challenges In the instance where a firearm is lost or stolen, criminals

tend to deface/remove all numbers. Identification concerning origin is difficult, as the firearm

has to undergo a lengthy forensic examination to reveal any markings which may have been removed/tampered with, this process is usually unsuccessful.

The main challenge: NO LEGISLATON, therefore we are left with this stumbling block to which we are dependant on the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the Ministry of National Security and its committee to rectify. They must formulate, pass and also enact the legislation before this country can truly subscribe to this initiative, to prevent firearms which were legally or illegally imported to Trinidad and Tobago, eventually being traded on the black market or found elsewhere having been used in illegal practices with no identification available to trace them.                          

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Questions/Remarks..

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine

Thank You!

Presented by 16701 W/Ag Cpl Jenny Constantine