In my 32 years LE experience, I am not aware of any database that captures information on mental health issues. The FBI maintains Criminal History Files, fingerprint files, etc. but not mental health. Mental health issues are caught by old fashioned methods such as phone calls or personal vistis to friends. family, neighbors, employers, etc. during a background check. However, this type of background check is not done on gun purchasers.NcongruNt wrote:What I don't get, is that according to the MSNBC story Cho seemed to have been involuntarily admitted for psychiatric treatment by the county magistrate, and this was in 2005. This should have absolutely shown up on a background check with the FBI and he should never have been sold a firearm..... I'd put the fault with the FBI for failing to deny his purchase of a firearm during the background check.
I may stand corrected on this, but filling out the required form to purchase a gun relies on the honesty of the individual filling the form out to answer it correctly. Its easy to lie about mental issues and not ever get caught.