Research on IBIS and NIBIN

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Research on IBIS and NIBIN
Introduction
IBIS
The Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) which is an organ of National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is used to capture and store evidence images in the NIBIN database. The IBIS refers to a computerized automated system linking firearms correlated evidence like cartridge cases, bullets and firearms to all forensic firearms. IBIS system was premeditated to recognize cartridge cases and bullets emerging from semi-automatic firearms whereby the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program is used to image and compare crime firearms verification.
NIBIN
NIBIN Program is used to automate ballistics evaluations and provides timely reliable investigative leads. By use of NIBIN, firearms inspectors enter cartridge casing proof into the IBIS and images are linked respect to the database. Evidence can be identified by law enforcers from the neighboring ones, jurisdiction and others across the country to share information and cooperating easily making all of us more effective in closing cases.
The history of NIBIN
It was established in 1999 by the ATF as a kick off of administration of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. It was in this program that ATF administers automated ballistic imaging technology for NIBIN partners: state, forensic science, federal, attorney agencies state and local law enforcement in the United States that have entered into a formal agreement with ATF to enter ballistic information into NIBIN.
NIBIN technology
The NIBIN software searches each image for similar topographical characteristics and generates a "hit list" of possible matches. The equipment allows firearms examiners and technicians to acquire analog images of the markings made by a firearm on bullets and cartridge casings. The images are then electronically compared to other images in the system and a list of potential matches is generated and successful matches between ballistics images entered into NIBIN. The linking of one crime to another provides law enforcement agencies with new leads to help solve the crimes.
Current NIBIN state
The Automated firearms identification technology is now a globally accepted technology as the system with the largest installed base, IBIS has hit world headlines. Due to emergence of a world standard it has become possible for law enforcement agencies to globally share ballistic data. This has been leveraged as a tool for international collaboration among law enforcement agencies globally. Countries among them Europe having the EURO-IBIS and United States` link with Canada has begun to link up their IBIS systems.
International criminal police organization's (Interpol) IBIN Network Strategies to fuel the NIBIN Law
Identifying firearm crimes and criminals
The reinforcement of Police investigations entails the processing and sharing of the collected information and analyzed well and which has been vividly enforced. For firearm investigations, it has emerged that wealth information can be found inside and outside a gun such as manufacturer’s serial number stamped on the outside which must done timely to enhance investigative and preventative value as well as the informative for identification, for model and make.
Ensure they create space so that there is effective and efficient management of firearms
There need to be a unison thought for all stakeholders and a true collaborative towards the goal of violence reduction by accessing all the tools in the crime solving tool box for managing ballistics data, firearm transaction data, DNA, Fingerprints, trace evidence down to drops of blood.
Ensuring that the communication is secure globally
This Requires Efficient & Effective Communication Tools like use of nationally based tools like networks for analysis and sharing of information related to ballistics, DNA, fingerprints, and firearms firearm lifecycle data.

Reference

http://www.crimesolutions.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?ID=164 http://www.forensictechnology.com/news/bid/91311/INTERPOL-Forensics-Symposium-Scores-Hits-from-Start-to-Finish http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_firearms_identification http://www.dps.texas.gov/CrimeLaboratory/NIBIN.htm http://www.atf.gov/content/Firearms/firearms-enforcement/NIBIN http://www.atf.gov/publications/factsheets/factsheet-nibin.html