Yes, generally speaking, only the local police department where a person resides has access to information about whether they possess a firearm, as this information is typically stored in local records related to firearm permits or background checks conducted during gun purchases; federal law does not maintain a central database of gun ownership, meaning other law enforcement agencies outside the local jurisdiction would not readily have access to this information.
Key points to consider:
- While the principle remains the same, specific regulations regarding firearm record-keeping can vary depending on the state.
- When someone buys a gun from a licensed dealer, a background check is conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which can flag individuals prohibited from owning firearms, but this information is not readily accessible to all law enforcement agencies.
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