Connecticut Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What entity conducts the background check for firearm purchases in Connecticut?

1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

2. Connecticut State Police

3. Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

4. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The correct answer is: Connecticut State Police

In Connecticut, the entity that conducts the background check for firearm purchases is the Connecticut State Police. This is the correct answer because, in the state of Connecticut, background checks for firearm purchases are conducted by the state police as part of the application process for a permit to carry pistols or revolvers. The Connecticut State Police are responsible for reviewing an individual's criminal history record, mental health records, and other factors to determine their eligibility to possess a firearm. While the other options are relevant to the field of firearms regulation and law enforcement, they do not specifically conduct background checks for firearm purchases in Connecticut. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts federal background checks for firearm purchases through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), but in Connecticut, the responsibility lies with the state police. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is the overarching department that oversees various aspects of public safety, including firearms regulation, but they do not directly conduct background checks for firearm purchases. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a federal agency that deals with enforcing federal firearms laws but is not responsible for conducting background checks for firearm purchases in Connecticut.