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

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

A firearm used in the commission of a crime that comes into the custody of a law enforcement agency in this state may be delivered to the State Crime Laboratory within thirty (30) calendar days for forensic testing for firearms meeting the caliber and type determined by the Director of the State Crime Laboratory. The laboratory may conduct forensic tests on all firearms received and input the resulting data into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The forensic tests may include without limitation firing of the firearm and electronic imaging of the bullets and casings. The laboratory shall coordinate with all participating agencies when investigations require the use of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network computer database. The laboratory shall provide written analysis reports and experts for testimony when feasible. After completion of the forensic testing, the firearm shall be returned to the law enforcement agency that submitted the firearm for forensic testing. When the law enforcement agency regains possession of the firearm and after final adjudication, 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. A law enforcement agency in this state may request the assistance of the Division of Arkansas State Police in tracing a firearm. A firearm seized by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for violation of a commission rule is exempt from this section. The State Crime Laboratory Board may adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including without limitation rules regarding forensic testing of a firearm and procedures for submission of a firearm.