Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10STATE1119
2010-01-06 19:12:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

SUBJECT: Combating Illicit Trafficking in Arms--GUIDANCE

Tags:  PARM MASS EAIR ETTC PREL OAS PE 
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FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ JAN 0000
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA IMMEDIATE 0000
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES IMMEDIATE 0000
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UNCLAS STATE 001119 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM MASS EAIR ETTC PREL OAS PE
SUBJECT: SUBJECT: Combating Illicit Trafficking in Arms--GUIDANCE
ON E-TRACE DISCUSSIONS WITH HOST GOVERNMENTS

SUBJECT: Combating Illicit Trafficking in Arms - Joint
Initiative--GUIDANCE ON E-TRACE DISCUSSIONS WITH HOST GOVERNMENTS

UNCLAS STATE 001119

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM MASS EAIR ETTC PREL OAS PE
SUBJECT: SUBJECT: Combating Illicit Trafficking in Arms--GUIDANCE
ON E-TRACE DISCUSSIONS WITH HOST GOVERNMENTS

SUBJECT: Combating Illicit Trafficking in Arms - Joint
Initiative--GUIDANCE ON E-TRACE DISCUSSIONS WITH HOST GOVERNMENTS


1. (SBU) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 5.


2. (SBU) The United States would like to follow-up the efforts of
the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Presidents
recent call to ratify the Inter-American Convention Against the
Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition,
Explosives and Other Related Materials (the CIFTA convention) by
offering interested OAS Member States participation in the ATF
eTrace program. To encourage participation and develop momentum
for this action, we would like to begin offering eTrace to all
member States not yet participating and look to an event (or use
the margins of an already scheduled event) to sign the Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). After signing MOUs with the United
States, the U.S. would conduct a day of orientation and training on
eTrace for authorized users. Currently, all seven countries of
SICA and all CARICOM nations except Haiti have signed the eTrace
MOU. The U.S. is looking for the remaining OAS Member States to
participate.


3. (SBU) ATF maintains the e-Trace online system to trace weapons
used in or associated with crimes. This system is a paperless
firearm trace submission system and trace analysis computer module
readily accessible via the World Wide Web (Internet). This
internet application provides the necessary utilities for
submitting, retrieving, storing and querying firearms trace-related
information relative to particular jurisdictions, thereby allowing
for the systematic tracing of firearms that may have been recovered
from crime scenes. Analysis of firearms trace data can assist in
the identification of firearms trafficking patterns and geographic
profiling for criminal hot spots and possible sources of illicit
firearms.


4. (SBU) E-Trace is being utilized by international partners after
signing MOUs with the United States. These memoranda grant

partners access to the e-Trace system, set for the legal parameters
for usage of the system, and authorize ATF to provide technical
assistance to governments on the operation and use of the e-Trace
system. It should be noted that the MOU is NOT an international
agreement in the legal sense; rather it serves as a users guide to
remind participants of the
sensitive nature of the firearms trace data submitted and provided.



5. (SBU) Action request for all addressees: Department requests
Posts contact appropriate senior law enforcement authorities to
reiterate our offer of participation in eTrace in order to identify
traffickers and trafficking routes in the region. Participation in
the program requires each country sign a bilateral MOU with ATF in
order to identify authorized users of the system only authorized
users will be granted authorization to utilize the system and
receive operational technical support. Post is requested to
formally share the draft MOU text below and seek an agreement. The
English version is followed by the Portuguese and Spanish versions.
Post may draw on the background information in paragraphs 2, 3 and

4. End action request.


6. (U) Begin Draft MOU

Section I. Purpose and Authority

This memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets forth the conditions
and understanding between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF) and the Foreign Law Enforcement Agency
(hereinafter the Participants),with the intent to establish a
partnership with regard to policy and procedures relative to the
access and utilization of eTrace services that is made available to
law enforcement agencies by ATF.

Section II. Background

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a
law enforcement agency within the United States Department of
Justice, dedicated to preventing terrorism, reducing violent crime
and protecting the nation. In its efforts to enhance homeland
security in the United States, ATF works collaboratively and in
partnership with foreign governments and law enforcement agencies
in order to assist friendly nations and allies in the fight against
international criminal organizations whose criminal enterprise
poses a threat to the citizenry and global peace.

To combat this threat, ATF uses its unique capabilities, which
includes eTrace. This system is a paperless firearm trace
submission system and trace analysis computer module that is
readily accessible through a connection to the World Wide Web
(Internet). This internet application provides the necessary
utilities for submitting, retrieving, storing and querying firearms
trace related information relative to particular jurisdictions,
thereby allowing for the systematic tracing of firearms that may
have been recovered from crime scenes. Analysis of firearms trace
data can assist in the identification of firearms trafficking
patterns and geographic profiling for criminal hot spots and
possible sources of illicit firearms.

Law Enforcement agencies that make a commitment to comprehensive
and systematic crime gun tracing will be able to effectively use
the eTrace firearms trace information platform for developing the
best investigative strategies for the reduction of firearms-related
crime and violence.

Section III. Scope

This MOU addresses access to and utilization of eTrace, including
the designations of primary and alternate points of contact (POCs)
for the Participants to this MOU. The Participants points of
contact are expected to follow the procedures set forth in this
MOU. The Foreign Law Enforcement Agencys point of contact is to
identify individuals within Foreign Law Enforcement Agency who
require eTrace system access, periodically validate the list of
users, and notify ATFs National Tracing Center (NTC) immediately
in the event that it becomes necessary to revoke or suspend a
users account.

Section IV. Interagency Communications

Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this MOU, the Foreign Law
Enforcement Agency and ATF intend to have a principal point of
contact within each organization coordinate all communications and
matters relating to this MOU. The designated points of contact
(POCs) are as
follows:

ATF:
Chief, National Tracing Center
Address:
244 Needy Road

Martinsburg, WV 25401

(800) 788-7133

Designated ATF Contact
Alternate ATF Contact
Name:


Title:


Phone #:




Host Government Entity:
Foreign Law Enforcement Agency
Address:






Designated Host Government Contact Name
Alternate Designated Host Government Contact Name
Name:


Title:


Phone #:



Section V. Procedures


A. Foreign Law Enforcement Agency is to:


1. Appoint a primary and alternate point of contact within the
agency.
The above appointed individuals are to be responsible for providing
and maintaining a list of all personnel within their agency that
will require access to eTrace.


2. Complete Attachment A (Agency Approved eTrace Users) of this
MOU.
No individual is to be given access to eTrace without being listed
on Attachment A as an agency approved user.


3. Immediately notify the ATF National Tracing Center (NTC) in the
event that an individuals eTrace account needs to be suspended or
revoked.
Such suspension or revocation might be necessary for any number of
reasons, to include (but not be limited to): employee transfer,
retirement, or release from employment. Initial notification for
account revocation can be made by contacting the eTrace Customer
Support Group at telephone number (304) 260-1540


4. Refer any technical questions relating to the use, operation, or
resolution of technical difficulties involving eTrace to the NTCs
eTrace Customer Support Group at telephone number (304) 260-1540.


5. Mail the original completed and signed MOU and pertinent
attachments to the ATF National Tracing Center at the following
address:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
National Tracing Center Division
244 Needy Road
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Attn: eTrace Customer Service Group


B. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,
National Tracing Center, is to:


1. Upon receipt of this signed MOU, initiate communication with the
designated POC for the Foreign Law Enforcement Agency and provide
detailed instructions on the process of requesting and receiving an
eTrace user account.


2. Review all applications for eTrace access in a timely manner and
facilitate the provisioning of accounts to include relative user
identifiers and passwords. Once accounts are activated, a
representative from the NTC is to contact each individual user and
provide them with their account information.


3. Upon receipt of a request for account revocation, immediately
deactivate the pertinent user account.


4. Provide the Foreign Law Enforcement Agencys and ATFs
designated POC with an annual (or upon request) listing of agency
approved eTrace users for review and auditing purposes.

Section VI. Conditions

Both ATF and the Foreign Law Enforcement Agency acknowledge their
understanding that the eTrace application is intended FOR OFFICIAL
LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY and may not be used for any purpose other
than a law enforcement investigation or prosecution.

The Participants acknowledge that the eTrace application may only
be accessed and utilized from an official duty station and/or
alternate task force location. An exception may apply under
isolated and stringent circumstances, when eTrace can be accessed
from an alternate location, specifically in furtherance of law
enforcement activities.

The Participants acknowledge that premature disclosure of certain
firearms trace information can reasonably be expected to interfere
with pending or prospective law enforcement proceedings. This law
enforcement sensitive information includes data that can link a
traced firearm to:
the location of a crime; the Federal firearms licensee; retail
purchaser or possessor of a traced firearm; or to firearms
trafficking patterns involving a traced firearm. Therefore, Foreign
Law Enforcement Agency may not disclose law enforcement sensitive
firearms trace information generated pursuant to this MOU to a
third party without the consent of ATF. Prior to the release of any
sensitive firearms trace information to a third party, a
Participant proposing such release is to notify the other
Participant.

The Foreign Law Enforcement Agency intends to notify the ATF
international affairs office prior to the initiation of any
independent international firearms trafficking investigation
arising or developed from firearms tracing data obtained via
eTrace. This critical step allows for the further collaboration of
valuable investigative information and assists in ensuring the
effectiveness and overall safety of investigating officers.

The Participants acknowledge that a crime gun is defined as
any
firearm that is illegally possessed, used in a crime, taken into
police custody, or suspected by law enforcement officials of having
been used in a crime or act of terrorism.

The Participants acknowledge that the ATF National Tracing Center
is the central recipient and repository of all information entered
into the eTrace application relative to crime gun recoveries. The
Foreign Law Enforcement Agency is to make every effort to provide
complete and accurate firearm trace-related information to include:
recovery location, possessor information and associated
individuals.


Section VII. Conclusion

It is the intent of the Participants that this MOU promote
coordination, cooperation and the mutual conduct of enforcement and
research activities relative to the eTrace application, which they
expect to result in the successful prosecution of illegal firearm
crimes as well as the development of an accurate picture of the
illegal firearms market and the inception of new strategies to
effectively interrupt this market and impact the rate of firearm
related violence.

This MOU is effective upon the date of the last signature by the
authorized representatives of the Participants and is intended to
remain effective until discontinued in writing by either
Participant.
Discontinuation by either Participant is intended to result in the
revocation of all eTrace accounts provided under this MOU. This MOU
may be modified by the Participants in writing.

In witness whereof, the Participants have signed this MOU.

-------------- Portguese --------------

{0>Section I. Purpose and AuthorityArtigo I. Finalidade e
AutoridadeThis memorandum of understanding (MOU) sets forth the conditions
and understanding between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF) and the Foreign Law Enforcement Agency
(hereinafter the Participants),with the intent to establish a
partnership with regard to policy and procedures relative to the
access and utilization of eTrace services that is made available to
law enforcement agencies by ATF.Este memorando de
entendimento (MOU) estipula as condies, acordos e entendimentos
entre o Escritrio de lcool, Tabaco, Armas de Fogo e Explosivos
(ATF) e o rgo de segurana pblica participante no exterior,
(doravante denominados Participantes) e com este cria uma
parceria em relao s normas e procedimentos referentes ao acesso
e uso dos servios de rastreamento eletrnico disponibilizado pelo
ATF aos rgos de segurana pblica.BackgroundAntecedentes

{0>The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is
a law enforcement agency within the United States Department of
Justice, dedicated to preventing terrorism, reducing violent crime
and protecting the nation.O Escritrio de lcool, Tabaco,
Armas de Fogo e Explosivos (ATF) um rgo de segurana pblica
do
Departamento de Justia dos Estados Unidos, dedicado a prevenir
terrorismo, reduzir crimes violentos e proteger o pas.In
its efforts to enhance homeland security in the United States, ATF
works collaboratively and in partnership with foreign governments
and law enforcement agencies in order to assist friendly nations
and allies in the fight against international criminal
organizations whose criminal enterprise poses a threat to the
citizenry and global peace.Em seus esforos para aprimorar a
segurana interna nos EUA, o ATF trabalha em colaborao e parceria
com governos internacionais e rgos de segurana pblica para
auxiliar pases amigos e aliados na luta contra organizaes
criminosas internacionais, cujas atividades criminosas representam
uma ameaa aos cidados e paz mundial.To combat this threat, ATF uses its unique capabilities, which
includes eTrace.Para combater essa ameaa, o ATF usa suas
capacidades exclusivas, entre as quais o sistema de rastreamento
eletrnico.This system is a paperless firearm trace
submission system and trace analysis computer module that is
readily accessible through a connection to the World Wide Web
(Internet).Trata-se de um sistema informatizado de submisso
de rastreamento e anlise de armas de fogo, acessvel atravs de
conexo Internet.This internet application provides the
necessary utilities for submitting, retrieving, storing and
querying firearms trace related information relative to particular
jurisdictions, thereby allowing for the systematic tracing of
firearms that may have been recovered from crime scenes.Esta
aplicao da Internet fornece os meios necessrios para submeter,
recuperar, armazenar e consultar informaes relativas ao
rastreamento de armas de fogo com referncia a determinadas
jurisdies, permitindo, assim, o rastreamento sistemtico de armas
de fogo que possam ter sido recuperadas de cenas de crimes.Analysis of firearms trace data can assist in the identification
of firearms trafficking patterns and geographic profiling for
criminal hot spots and possible sources of illicit
firearms.Dados de anlise de rastreamento de armas de fogo
podem ajudar na identificao de padres de trfico de armas de
fogo e na definio de perfis geogrficos de pontos ativos de
crimes e possveis fontes de armas de fogo ilcitas.Law Enforcement agencies that make a commitment to comprehensive
and systematic crime gun tracing will be able to effectively use
the eTrace firearms trace information platform for developing the
best investigative strategies for the reduction of firearms-related
crime and violence.Os rgos de segurana pblica que se
comprometem a rastrear armas de crimes, de forma abrangente e
sistemtica, conseguiro utilizar a plataforma de informaes de
rastreamento eletrnico de modo eficaz para formular as melhores
estratgias de investigao para a reduo de crimes e violncia
relacionados a armas de fogo.ScopeEscopo