Automated Firearms Ballistics Technology

Unique Firearm Characteristics

• Firearms leave unique markings on projectiles and cartridge cases.
  • Barrel markings on projectiles.
  • Breech mechanism markings on cartridge cases.
• Distinct markings from:
  • Breech face
  • Firing pin
  • Extractor
  • Ejector
• These markings assist examiners in matching bullets and casings to specific firearms.

Challenges in Firearms Examination

• Traditional methods are tedious and time-consuming.
• Examiners face severe stress and eye strain.
• Outdated techniques prompted ATF and the Department of Treasury to innovate.
• The automated system helps solve firearm-related crimes efficiently.

Ballistic Comparison System

• ATF uses a ballistic comparison system to digitize bullet and shell casing signatures.
• Accelerates matching process significantly.
• Provides leads for solving crimes faster.

Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS)

• Capable of comparing both bullet and casing evidence.
• Allows technicians to enter and review large amounts of data.
• Tracing statistics show equal frequency for revolvers and semi-automatics.
• Automatically compares new evidence with existing data.

System Features

• Does not conclusively match bullets/casings; it narrows down potential matches.
• Produces a shortlist of candidates with match probabilities.
• Speeds up and optimizes comparison time.

IBIS Work Stations

• Data Acquisition Station: Collects image data.
  • Laser optics map bullet surface.
  • Shell casings are easier to acquire.
• Image Analysis Station: Runs image comparison software.
  • Houses the database of images.
  • Can handle data from multiple acquisition stations.
• Data can be transported via disk or communication line.

Firearms Examiner's Role

• Examiners review data only after entry and correlation.
• Signature Analysis Station (SAS) is used for evaluation.
• Final identification is done via comparison microscope.

Future Developments

• Introduction of IBIS BrassTRAX technology.
• BrassTRAX Systems are highly-automated acquisition stations.
• They facilitate data collection and searching against NIBIN Database.

Conclusion

• The automated system has revolutionized the crime-solving process.
• Enables faster and more accurate matching of firearms to specific crimes.