Integrated Ballistics Identification System
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Use
IBIS has been adopted as the platform of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Program, which is spearheaded by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The integration of technology into over 200 sites across the US [1] facilitates sharing of information between different law enforcement groups. The rapid dissemination of ballistics information, in turn, allows for tracking of gun-specific information and connection of a particular firearm to multiple crimes irrespective of geographic location.
While some groups have advocated laws requiring all firearms sold be test-fired and registered in such a system, success has been mixed. In 2005, a Maryland State Police report recommended a law requiring all handguns sold in the state be registered in their IBIS system be repealed, as at the cost of $2.5 million the system had not produced "any meaningful hits".[2][3] By 2008, the New York COBIS system, which costs $4 million per year,[3] had not produced any hits leading to prosecutions in 7 years of operation.[4] The system has been more successful when used to track guns used by and found on criminals.[5]
In Television
IBIS is frequently mentioned in modern television programs, fictional and otherwise, that use forensics to aid in solving crimes. These television shows include CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and its spinoffs, amongst others. Forensic Technology helped develop an interactive exhibit, 'CSI: The Experience' that showcased the company's technology.[6]
See also
- National Ballistics Intelligence Service, a similar body in the United Kingdom
References
- ↑ Forensic Technology
- ↑ http://www.wbaltv.com/r/4089085/detail.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/ATF/a0530/intro.htm
- ↑ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26931172/
- ↑ "Bullet-tracing technology hits bull's-eye". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel page 10A, 8 August 1999
- ↑ Ian Robertson (20 May 2007). "Real-life CSI". Sun Media.
External links
1. http://www.nibin.gov is the official Web site for the NIBIN, the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.
2. http://www.fti-ibis.com is the Web site for the developer and supporter of IBIS technology, Forensic Technology Incorporated.
