United States

Delaware Could be Breaking Law by Checking Gun Licence Eligibility

News Journal (Delaware)

30 Nov 2008

The Delaware State Police have been conducting secret background checks of some gun owners since 2001, a process known as "superchecks" that may violate federal law. The checks have resulted in confiscation of weapons, some for legitimate reasons, but have subjected many citizens to a search of mental health records that in most cases police would be unable to access. In Delaware, when someone attempts to purchase a pistol or rifle, he or she must first sign a consent form authorizing a criminal and mental health check by the state Firearms Transaction Approval Program. These background checks are initiated when a gun dealer calls the firearms... ( gunpolicy.org )