TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today the establishment of standards and an application process for inclusion of handguns on New Jersey’s microstamping-enabled firearms roster, a significant move in crime prevention.
Microstamping is a ballistics identification technology where a firearm imprints a unique code onto bullet cartridge casings when fired. These imprints, connected to the firearm’s make, model, and serial number, enable law enforcement to trace spent casings to the specific gun.
To qualify for the microstamping roster, firearms must meet several criteria, such as regularly imparting an identifying marker on expended cartridge cases, performing without deformation or deterioration, displaying reliability equal to other commercial firearms in New Jersey, and complying with all State and federal laws.
Attorney General Platkin praised the technology’s potential, stating that it could profoundly impact public safety across the state. He credited Governor Murphy for leading innovative approaches to reducing gun violence, with microstamping being the latest example to aid in identifying crime guns and holding perpetrators accountable.
In 2022, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2022, c. 57 to promote the adoption of microstamping in commercial firearms. The law mandated the Attorney General to create performance standards, qualifying criteria, and an application process for the microstamping-enabled firearms roster.
The Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Office, consulted in developing these standards, also will oversee several initiatives to ensure the effective administration of gun violence laws.
The law requires an investigation into the viability of microstamping technology, expected to be completed soon. If deemed viable, a Microstamping Examiner will be appointed to manage the application process. New Jersey gun retailers will then be required to sell at least one gun from the approved microstamping roster.
SAFE Director Ravi Ramanathan expressed the need to embrace innovative approaches to protect communities from gun violence, emphasizing that the standards and process adopted would lay the foundation for this essential crime-fighting technology.
Under Governor Murphy’s administration, New Jersey has pursued a comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence, including implementing Extreme Risk Protective Orders, strengthening background checks, reducing ammunition magazine capacity, banning ghost guns, and collaborating with neighboring states to share crime gun data.
The introduction of microstamping standards marks a progressive step in New Jersey’s continued efforts to reduce gun violence, fostering a safer environment for its residents.