MINNEAPOLIS — A dozen states require police to trace guns recovered during criminal investigations, according to ” Everytown for Gun Safety .” Minnesota isn’t one of them.
Data shows that 58% of law enforcement agencies in the state trace some weapons, but only 13% of them share what they learn.
Should that change? WCCO Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle went to Travis Riddle, the ATF’s Special Agent in Charge in St. Paul, to find out.
Pistols are the most commonly traced guns found at crime scenes in Minnesota.
“For crime guns, the easier you’re able to hide it or conceal it, or even just get rid of it, that is going to be the weapon of choice,” Riddle said.
They account for more than 70% of crime guns traced in Minnesota last year, most often Glocks, says Riddle. Reasons for the trace range from a weapon offense to homicide.
“The trends for the state is that the majority of the firearms that are recovered and traced in Minnesota originated in Minnesota,” Riddle said.