Research in Brief: Using NIBIN Ballistic Imaging Hits for the Strategic Targeting of Violent Criminal Networks

Research in Brief

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Research in Brief: Using NIBIN Ballistic Imaging Hits for the Strategic Targeting of Violent Criminal Networks

William King, Sam Houston State University, Texas William Wells,Sam Houston State University, Texas Charles Katz, Arizona State University Edward Maguire, American University, Washington, D.C. James Frank, University of Cincinnati, Ohio

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program is designed to link evidence from firearms that are used at multiple crime scenes or link confiscated firearms to evidence from crime scenes. NIBIN “hits” link crimes involving the same firearm that were not previously known to be related. NIBIN is overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and relies on partnerships with local agencies. As of early 2014, 150 crime labs or law enforcement agencies in the United States serve as NIBIN partner sites. Partner sites input evidence into the NIBIN database and search for and confirm ballistics hits. NIBIN has identified more than 50,000 hits since its inception in 1999.