Save A Casing
Operation Save-A-Casing is a program that allows responsible gun owners to help law enforcement combat firearm-related crime. Participation is completely voluntary, however, we encourage gun owners in our community to take part in an effort to reduce violent crime involving firearms. There is no cost, and the envelopes are available at the Orange County Sheriffâs Office Central Operations at 2500 W. Colonial Drive, and at five substations throughout Orange County.
How Do I Get One?
To pick up free Operation Save-A-Casing envelopes from the Orange County Sheriffâs Office, please come to our Central Operations Building, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, and enter the lobby that faces Colonial Drive. The lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Operation Save-A-Casing envelopes are also available at the following substations:
Sector 1 Substation
1111 North Rock Springs Road
Apopka, Florida 32712
Sector 2 Substation
11000 Lake Underhill RoadÂ
Orlando, Florida 32825
Sector 3 Substation
475 West Story RoadÂ
Ocoee, Florida 34761Â
Sector 4 Substation
2400 West 33rd StreetÂ
Orlando, Florida 32839
Sector 5 Substation
6817 Westwood BoulevardÂ
Orlando, Florida 32821
Save-A-Casing FAQ
How does the program work?
The campaign works by submitting two firearm casings to an Orange County Deputy after a gun theft has occurred. These casings are then submitted into National Integrated Ballistic Information Network known as NIBIN. NIBIN is a national database containing digital images of spent bullets and cartridge casings that were found at crime scenes or test-fired from confiscated firearms. This database can be searched for possible matches and if a “hit” occurs, the NIBIN lab sends that information to OCSO investigators.
Who do I contact when my gun is stolen?
Call 9-1-1. An Orange County Deputy will respond to your location to report the stolen gun.
When do I provide my casings and why can't I send them now?
You will provide your casings when reporting your firearm stolen. The Orange County deputy taking the report will submit them to NIBIN. NIBIN only captures and stores firearms evidence and fired ammunition components as part of a criminal investigation. It cannot collect this information when the firearm is manufactured or prior to a criminal event such as the firearm being stolen.
How can this program help law enforcement find my firearm?
The shell casing can confirm the identity of the firearm. If the information and bullet casing are submitted to the NIBIN system after a weapon is stolen, OCSO will be able to return the firearm to its owner.
What information will I need to provide?
When your gun is stolen, you will provide two casings that were fired from the firearm that you are reporting stolen. Place those casings in an envelope, and write the serial number, make and model of your firearm on the outside. Then hand that envelope to the officer taking your report.
Is this program mandatory?
No. Your participation is completely voluntary, however, we encourage the community to take part in an effort to reduce violent crime involving firearms.
Where is the information stored?
As a gun owner, you will store your casings and firearm information in your home, separate from where you store your respective firearm. In the event your firearm is stolen, you will give that information to the reporting deputy and they will submit it to NIBIN, where it will be compared against their existing database.
If my gun is stolen and used in a crime, am I liable? Can I get my gun back?
No, reporting the stolen gun to the authorities demonstrates a level of concern equal to that of a person who wants the gun recovered to minimize harm to the community. Liability then falls onto the person currently in possession of the gun at the time of the crime.Â
If your gun is used in a crime, the gun will be held during the entire duration of the investigation of the crime, the court proceedings or longer. This timeframe can be dependent on the type of crime, the initial court proceeding and any appellate process.
