Related statutory data is either not collected or readily available, or is limited in scope. With the objective of supplying the best possible data available, the Criminal Justice Center worked with legislators to determine what information should be provided annually, including data on firearms used to commit crime. While auditor s data file does not contain information regarding offenders or state laws affecting firearm use and possession, it is the most complete and readily available data on firearms used in crime. It was agreed that the Criminal Justice Center would complete an independent analysis of the state auditor s data to extract more in-depth statistical information. Using the data file, the Criminal Justice Center adds detail on the type, caliber, action, make, model, and legal and altered status of each forfeited weapon.
Police departments are able legally to secure firearms through seizure or forfeiture.
Law enforcement agencies must follow a statutorily designated process to obtain forfeited guns in Minnesota. This occurs when a formal complaint is filed against a firearm that details the reasons it should be forfeited. Summary forfeiture . This gives the state legal possession of firearms owned by an individual convicted of a controlled substance crime or other statutorily designated offense. Administrative forfeiture .