NJ Advances Crime Gun Traceability with Microstamping Technology

In a landmark announcement, New Jersey's Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed the viability of microstamping technology as a critical tool in crime gun investigation and traceability. This confirmation is based on comprehensive live-fire testing and corroborated by peer-reviewed studies, marking a pivotal advancement in firearm safety and law enforcement capabilities within the state.

Microstamping technology, which imprints unique identifiers on expended cartridge cases, has been endorsed for inclusion in commercial firearms. This technological innovation allows law enforcement to trace spent cartridges back to their originating firearm, offering a direct link to crime guns. The Attorney General's announcement aligns with the objectives of P.L. 2022, c. 57, a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2022, aimed at integrating microstamping technology into firearms sold in New Jersey.

The technology engraves distinct markings on a firearm's firing pin, which, upon discharge, transfers these markings to cartridge casings. This process enables a precise match between the cartridge casing found at a crime scene and the firearm, facilitating investigations and the apprehension of perpetrators.

Following the establishment of performance standards and criteria for microstamping-enabled firearms in August 2023, New Jersey is moving forward to compile a roster of such firearms. This initiative is a step toward making microstamping technology a standard feature in firearms available to the public, reinforcing the state's commitment to gun safety and crime prevention.

Attorney General Platkin has appointed Reinaldo Roldan, a seasoned firearms expert and Army veteran, as the State's designated Microstamping Examiner. Roldan's extensive experience, including his tenure with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and his involvement in high-profile investigations, positions him as a key figure in administering the microstamping application process.

This move is part of a broader strategy under the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Office, aimed at enhancing firearms industry accountability and implementing laws designed to reduce gun violence. The SAFE Office, a pioneering initiative established by Attorney General Platkin, underscores New Jersey's proactive approach to addressing gun-related crimes and promoting public safety.

In addition to microstamping, New Jersey's efforts to combat gun violence encompass the creation of the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) and the expansion of the Gun Violence Reduction Task Force (GVRTF). These initiatives highlight the state's comprehensive strategy to reduce gun violence through legislative action, technological innovation, and community engagement.

The adoption of microstamping technology represents a significant step forward in New Jersey's ongoing commitment to enhancing gun safety and reducing gun violence. Through the leadership of Attorney General Platkin and the support of Governor Murphy, New Jersey continues to set a national standard for innovative and effective approaches to gun violence prevention.

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