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November 9, 2009

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Editorial: Gun ‘fingerprints’ need to be tracked

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002 | 9:08 a.m.

The recent sniper killings in Maryland suburbs outside Washington, D.C., have intensified the debate about gun "fingerprints." Guns leave distinct markings on the bullets fired from them. Maryland and New York are the only two states so far requiring that new guns be fired and their markings recorded before sale. If every state required this, over time, bullets recovered at crime scenes could lead to the shooter.

The system is not foolproof but it gives law enforcement one more investigative tool without impinging on anyone's right to own a gun. Gun owners not involved in crimes would have nothing to worry about. In the case of stolen guns traced back to original innocent owners, at least authorities in some cases might be able to develop leads on suspects. Members of the National Rifle Association oppose such databases. But we have to believe that if one of their loved ones were shot by a criminal, they would want law enforcement to be able to tap into every emerging technology before the killer strikes again.

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