INTERPOL Regional iARMS User Training Course for Central Africa
On 16-17 January 2018, INTERPOL organized a regional training for iArms User for Central Africa. Two participants from each one of the following countries attended the training; Congo, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Chad. Cameroon provided 20 participants, making a total of 30 participants. During the event, the participants were trained in the efficient operation of the iARMS database and the use of the iARMS software application as part of INTERPOL tools and services to support investigations and enhance the cooperation in firearm-related crimes.
Funded by the European Union, the INTERPOL Illicit Arms Records and tracing Management System (iARMS) is a platform that facilitates information exchange and investigative cooperation between law enforcement agencies in relation to the international movement of illicit firearms. Countries are encouraged to upload records of lost and stolen firearms in iARMS. Consequently, in the case of a recovered firearm, the database is queried and the country can identify when and where the firearm was diverted into illegal possession. Shall the query not generate a positive result, the user can send a request to the country of manufacture, country of last legal import (if marked on the firearm) and to any country that may be connected to the case.