Since 1999, from across the country, approximately 3 million images of cartridge cases and bullets have been collected from crime scenes or test-fired guns have been uploaded into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which allows for the capture and comparison of these ballistic images. When used to its fullest potential, NIBIN can generate timely investigative leads by linking crimes that may have otherwise gone unconnected. From the moment a shooting incident is reported to law enforcement, the clock is ticking and the solvability of a case depends a great deal on the ability of investigators to follow-up on leads as quickly and efficiently as possible. Each day a piece of firearm-related evidence sits on an evidence shelf waiting to be entered into the NIBIN database is potentially a missed opportunity to identify leads and suspects involved in firearm-related crime in any participating jurisdiction across the United States, as well as internationally.
Investigations into crimes involving the use of firearms can be broken down into three distinct elements: (1) Respond & Collect, (2) Extract & Analyze and (3) Pursue & Apprehend. Information fuels investigations and evidence powers prosecutions. There are inherent gaps between each phase of an investigation – solving gun crimes requires well-coordinated teams to manage the exchanges of data and information, as well as a proper balance of people, processes, and technology.
Presenters for this fourth installment of the crime gun intelligence webinar series will not only discuss specific investigative and intelligence programs and strategies that have been implemented in their respective agency/region, but will also present solutions for bridging the gaps which help to ensure comprehensive and timely investigations that result in the successful prosecution of firearm-related cases. Because "Not All NIBIN Leads are Created Equal", this webinar will also help participants develop strategies to prioritize the leads that are identified, direct limited resources and budgets to achieve success and can ultimately lead to a reduction in firearm violence in their communities.
Join the Justice Clearinghouse on August 24, to learn from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Phoenix Crime Gun Information Center Coordinator Darrell Smith and the Cincinnati, Ohio Police Department's Assistant Police Chief Paul Neudigate.Their presentation will include discussions on:
- Programs, policies, and strategies that are implemented at each stage of a crime gun investigation, as well as how to bridge the gaps that are inherent in the criminal justice system;
- Best practices for agencies to get the most from NIBIN, including lead categorization and prioritization; and
- The results of how NIBIN has been successfully used in Cincinnati, contributing to significant decreases in their violent and firearm crime rates.