§ 12-12-324 - Testing by State Crime Laboratory. - Arkansas Statutes

12-12-324. Testing by State Crime Laboratory.

(a) (1) All firearms used in the commission of a crime that come into the custody of any law enforcement agency in this state shall be delivered to the State Crime Laboratory within thirty (30) calendar days for ballistics testing.

(2) However, if the firearm is being used as evidence in a criminal case, then delivery shall take place within thirty (30) calendar days after the final adjudication of the criminal proceeding.

(b) (1) (A) The laboratory may conduct ballistics tests on all firearms received and input the resulting data into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

(B) The ballistics tests may include, but not be limited to, firing of the weapon and electronic imaging of the bullets and casings.

(2) The laboratory shall coordinate with all participating agencies when investigations require the use of the National Integrated Bullet Identification Network's computer database.

(3) The laboratory shall provide written analysis reports and experts for testimony when feasible.

(4) After completion of the testing, the firearms shall be returned to the law enforcement agencies.

(5) When the law enforcement agency regains possession of the firearm, the law enforcement agency shall immediately notify the owner, unless the owner is prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, that the owner may regain possession of the firearm at the offices of the law enforcement agency.

(c) A law enforcement agency in this state may request the assistance of the Department of Arkansas State Police in tracing a firearm.

(d) A firearm seized by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for violation of a commission regulation is exempt from this section.

(e) The State Crime Laboratory Board may adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including, but not limited to, rules regarding testing and submission procedures.