An Australian subscriber to the CFD gracefully paid out of his own pockets the non-negligible fee to have the entire report fedexed over here. Thanks a million times ! [And a huge thank you to Jean Hogue for typing this in! -- Skeeter] So, without further ado, here is the entire report: VICTORIA POLICE Firearms Registry, 317 Flinders Lane Melbourne, 3000. 26th February 1987 METROPOLITAN, CO-ORDINATOR. SUBJECT: FIREARMS REGISTRATION SYSTEM C.R.B. File: 39-1-1385/84. INTRODUCTION 1. In February 1984, legislative changes came into effect which required all firearms owners in the State of Victoria to register the firearms held in their possession, unless exempted from that requirement by Section 46(4) of the Firearms Act. 2. To implement and complete the process, because of licence "rollover", a time span of three years was required - (1.2.84 to 31.1.87.) whereby (a) On the renewal of a shooter's licence between the above dates the firearms would be registered ; (b) Previously unregistered firearms sold off, and distributed into the community would be registered ; and (c) Changes of ownership between shooters and dealers would be subject to registration update (disposal/acquisition). 3. By the 31st January, 1987, in theory, all firearms that required registration in the State of Victoria should be registered. REASONS FOR REGISTRATION 4. Before reporting on the current status of registration within this State, it is important to establish : (a) The circumstances under which registration was introduced and (b) What were its objectives and aims. 5. Obviously, unless the objective of the exercise is determined the results have little or no meaning. To look at this exercise in a logical and realistic way, it is of paramount importance that we establish where we are, and in which direction we wish to go. We must also consider as to whether or not the programme should continue as it is, be modified, or be abolished. 6. In 1979, Delegates of the Australian Police Federation resolved that the spread of firearms within the community should be contained, and to achieve its aims, it was resolved :- (a) That no person should be permitted to have more than three firearms, without having to "show cause" as to why he should have more ; and (b) All firearms should be registered, and records computerized to assist in effective control and combatting crime. It was further agreed that the respective "Associations" lobby their State Government opposition parties to adopt, and put into effect those resolutions. 7. It would appear that the Victorian Labour Party not only adopted those resolutions, but certain elements within the party were of the view that firearms ownership be reduced to one, before having to show cause. 8. The Firearms Traders Association, several large Firearms Companies, the Shooting Sports Council, and others within the "Shooting Fraternity" then actively lobbied against the opposition (then Labour Party), as they considered the proposal was in infringement of their rights. 9. In any event, registration went ahead, but, not in the proposed form. All firearms held by shooters were to be registered with no restriction as to the number of firearms owned. COMMENT 10. It seems that the original aims and objectives were side-stepped, and I find it difficult to reconcile as to what was sought to be achieved by the current concept of "registration". It seems just to be an elaborate system of arithmetic with no tangible aim. Probably, and with the best of intentions, it may have been thought, that if it were known what firearms each individual in Victoria owned, some form of control may be exercised, and those who were guilty of criminal misuse could be readily identified. This is a fallacy, and has been proven not to be the case. IMPLEMENTATION OF REGISTRATION 11. From the beginning of the Registration programme, problems developed, primarily brought about by a huge influx of work, without sufficient staff to cope with the demand. This was further compounded by the failure to act quickly to rectify a situation that was reported on, and should have been forseen. Continual embarrassment was caused, and the Registry and Government were subject to much criticism. 12. It is charitab1e to say, that from the outset, the expedient recording of data, and issue of certificates was a disaster. This to a very large extent has now been overcome, but many difficulties still beset us. Primarily, caused by the processes used and an outmoded and absolutely unsatisfactory computer programme. 13. Early in 1986, discussions were held with representatives of the Government Computing Service, as to the feasibility of completely restructuring our computer programme with a view to accommodating the Registry's needs. This would have been a time consuming and expensive task. In view of the fact that Registry records were to go "on line" in the "not too distant future" the proposal was not further developed. 14. The Computer Systems Division is presently investigating the Registry's computer needs, and our methods and workflow practises are being examined to establish a computerized integrated system. 15. The number of shooter's licences issued fluctuate on a monthly basis. this being brought about by the issue of new licenses, and the expiry of existing licenses which are not renewed. Over a six month period between August of 1986 and the end of January 1987, the average number of shooters' licences held in the State was 264,037. 16. An examination of registration applications tends to indicate that each licensed shooter on average holds approximately 2.8 firearms. This appears to be consistent with projections in other States, and when one considers the fact that many shooters may have a shotgun, and either a .22 calibre or high powered rifle, together with an air rifle, the forecast is probably reasonably accurate. Furthermore, some licensed shooters may not have any firearms, and others have well in excess of three, and in some cases hundreds. 17. Given these statistics one can assume that at an absolute minimum, in the State of Victoria, there is in the order of 739,303 longarms dispersed within the community. AVERAGE DATE GUNS HELD GUNS REGISTERED % 17. 7.86. 386,153 52.2 1. 8.86. 391,773 52.9 2. 9.86. 396,553 53.6 2.10.86. 406,820 55.0 5.11.86 739,303 414,832 56.1 3.12.86 420,856 56.9 6. 1.87. 424,662 57.4 12. 2.87. 435,337 58.9 The above mentioned data indicates that a small percentage increase in registration, and at the conclusion of the programme only 58.9% of Victorians had registered firearms. Average number of licensed shooters approximately 264,037 Guns registered on Master File as at 12.2.87. 435,337 Shooter's Licences x 2.8 = estimated guns in community 739,303 Number of guns registered 435,337 58.9% Number of guns unregistered 303 ,966 41.1% 18. One can therefore conclude that 41.1% of firearms held in the community are not being registered. Public disobedience or ignorance of the law is by no means a small percentage. To absolutely establish as to who is not registering firearms is not possible, as all licensed shooters are not the owners of firearms, and some shooters may only register some of the guns held in their possession, others may not register guns at all. PROCESSING PROBLEMS 19. Putting aside public resistance, one of the worst problems encountered is the ability to store accurate data which can be readily retrieved. The forms used for the purpose of registration are designed in such a way that with the exception of a name, in some cases the address, and the shooter's licence number, none of the information provided by the gun owner can be readily checked. In many cases, it has been established that what purports to be firearm serial numbers are in fact model numbers. Therefore, the Registry is not in a position to identify what particular firearm belongs to the licensee. We can say that a certain person owns a particular model of firearm, but, the actual firearm itself cannot be identified. Without physically inspecting the firearm, and cross checking against the registration form, I doubt if the problem could be overcome. In any case, it is at times very hard to distinguish between a serial number and a model number when one considers the types of guns available. If the acquirer does not remit the Disposal Notice, records show, and will continue to show the firearms as still being registered in the Vendor's name, unless something occurs to cause a check to be made. There are many thousands of entries which indicate a large number of licensees have possessed the same firearm. 20. Other considerations to be taken into present system are :- (a) There is no way of ensuring that firearms purchased interstate are being registered ; (b) There is no way to ensure that firearms disposed of interstate are deleted from records, if indeed they were registered in the first place ; (c) It cannot be established if a licence holder has registered all firearms in his possession ; (d) Firearms can be registered under a number of licences. The programme does not facilitate that type of check. Therefore, duplication can, and does occur ; (e) If a person has registered firearms in his name and permits his shooters licence to expire, and then takes out another shooter's licence, he is not against required to register his firearm. Section 22(2F) of the Act cannot be complied with as the computer programme is only designed to accept data from a licensee. Forms that do not show a shooter's licence number will be rejected. Many firearms are shown to be still registered under expired licences. 21. Applicants omit to place the required information on application forms, or endorse incorrect information, for example : (a) In correct shooter's licence details ; (b) They have no shooter's licence, therefore, should not have firearms in their possession ; (c) Endeavour to register firearms on a Junior Permit ; (d) Still hold "Farm Permits" ; (e) Have deficient categories on shooter's licence. "A" "B" shooters wanting to register "C" Class firearms ; (f) Fail to forward the appropriate fee, which in many cases causes time consuming and very expensive follow-up action to obtain $1.00. (g) overpay the required fee, therefore, monies must be paid into the Suspense Account, and re-imbursement made ; (h) Incorrect spelling or illegible writing ; (i) Attempting to register firearms on an annual basis ; (j) Incorrect calibres. 22. The examples citet are to list, but a few of the problems encountered, which are extremely time consuming and place additional demands on the staff. REGISTRATION FEES 23. It is estimated that each gun costs approximately $4.00 to go through the registration process, and that cost would almost double dependent upon the action taken to rectify the error. If external inquiries are needed utilizing the services of local Police, such costs could rise by up to 1000% once again to retrieve a dollar. By law one is placed in a "catch 22" situation. You know the exercise is not cost effective, but, registration cannot be effected unless the fee required by law is paid. COMMENT 24. The registration programme drastically needs a complete overhaul and update. Both the process and computer programme should be re-evaluated. However, to implement the required changes is costly, and should not be attempted until such time as an indication or response is given by the Government, as to whether or not "Registration" will be abolished or continued. CONCLUSION 25. Having worked with registration since the latter stage of 1984, I have known full well that a report on firearms registration would be required at the conclusion of the current programme, and it has not been taken lightly. Previously experience in New Zealand and South Australia, and now indeed in the State of Victoria, indicates that firearms registration in the way in which it is implemented is costly, ineffective, and achieves little. In my view, does it not repress or control the criminal misuse of, or irresponsible use of firearms? 26. IF the people of Victoria or the Government require registration to continue in an effective way, which will be used to control and contain firearms ownership, I would suggest steps should be taken to :- (a) Re-assess their aims and objectives, and make a concious decision as to whether the registration process will meet those aims : if not seek alternatives ; (b) IF the answer is affirmative, repressive alws~would have to be enacted on the "show cause" basis, or a labour intensive system adopted which would rely heavily upon Police time and resources to make registration more effective, and to provide some degree of accuracy. 27. If one is to achieve a proper balance, I am of the opinion that the Firearms Act should - (a) Repress the criminal and irresponsible use of firearms ; (b) Look after the public interest ; and (c) Not place harsh restrictiqns on responsible and mature sports shooters, whilst at the same time educating the public, particularly Juniors, in the safe use and handling of firearms. I do not believe registration is the answer to the problem. RECOMMENDATION 28. I would therefore recommend that Firearms Registration be forthwith abolished, and together with the Firearms Consultative Committee a far reaching, effective, and proper system of education be introduced, as a pre-requisite to the obtaining of a shooter's licence. 29. In conjunction with education, the penalties for those who breach the law should be heavily increased. 30. The Governmental Review Committee is currently undertaking an examination of the "ACT", and the Education and Training Sub-Committee of the Firearms Consultative Committee is examining the best means of achieving firearms education. 31. If my proposal is considered a proper and viable alternative, I believe it could be implemented in a reasonable time span, would be less costly, and achieve far more in every way, than the concept of registration. Whatsmore, it would probably be more acceptable to the Shooting Fraternity, and just as acceptable to the Victorian public. In that way, we would have public/shooter acceptance, and not resistance. ATTACHMENT 32. Attached at Appendix 'A' is a research paper compiled by Senior Sergeant WATERMAN on Firearms Registration. [was not present in copy of report received -- our Australian benefactor is chasing the SSAA to obtain the missing appendix] 33. I do not propose to comment on that paper as it is appropriate that the reader draw their own conclusions. A. NEWGREEN/Chief Inspector, Registrar of Firearms. AN/sk. ___________________________________________________________ "I came to Ottawa with the firm belief that the only people in this country who should have guns are police officers and soldiers." Allan Rock, Canada's Minister of Justice Maclean's "Taking Aim on Guns", April 25, 1994, page 12.