Operation Save-A-Casing is a partnership with law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal level and the community to combat firearm-related crime.
How it works:
The campaign works by submitting two firearm casings to a Milwaukee Police Department Officer after a gun theft has occurred or a gun is lost. If a theft has occurred, the casings are then submitted into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Established in 1999 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), NIBIN is a national database containing digital images of spent bullets and cartridge casings that were found at crime scenes or test-fired from confiscated firearms. This database can be searched for possible matches. If a match occurs, the NIBIN lab sends that information to MPD investigators
***Community members also have the option of providing two spent shell casings without their firearm being lost or stolen. In this instance, the community member will fill out the envelope and be provided a Save-A-Casing receipt. Casings can only be entered into the system when the firearm was reported as lost or stolen.****
What information will I need to provide?
When your gun is stolen, you will provide two casings that were previously fired from the firearm you are reporting stolen. Place those casings in an envelope and write the serial number, make and model of your firearm on the outside. Then hand that envelope to the officer taking your report.
Is this program mandatory?
No. Your participation is completely voluntary. However, we encourage the community to take part in an effort to reduce violent crime involving firearms.
How can this program help law enforcement find my firearm?
The shell casing can confirm the identity of the firearm. If the information and bullet casing are submitted to the NIBIN system after a weapon is stolen, MPD will be able to return the firearm to its owner.
Is there a cost involved?
No. There is no cost involved in participating in this campaign.
If my gun is stolen and used in a crime, am I liable?
No, reporting the stolen gun to the authorities demonstrates a level of concern equal to that of a person who wants the gun recovered to minimize harm to the community. Liability then falls onto the person currently in possession of the gun at the time of the crime.
If my gun is stolen, used in a crime, and recovered, can I get my gun back?
If your gun is used in a crime, the gun will be held during the entire duration of the investigation of the crime, the court proceedings or longer. This time-frame can be dependent on the type of crime, the initial court proceeding and any appellate process.