U.S. Clients

ATF's NIBIN PROGRAM: Over 200 sites in the United States

Through its National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Program, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) deploys Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) equipment into State and local law enforcement agencies for their use in imaging and comparing crime gun evidence. One of the chief benefits of the IBIS system is the fact that it makes it possible to share intelligence across jurisdictional boundaries which enables State and local law enforcement agencies to work together to stop violent criminals.

Note that, near the end of 2006, the ATF purchased twelve (12) state-of-the-art IBIS BrassTRAX systems and approved them for use with other IBIS systems on the NIBIN network.

As well, on November 16, 2006, the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Accessing Forensic Firearms Data was signed by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and his Canadian counterpart, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. As part of this agreement, the NIBIN network and the Canadian Integrated Ballistic Information Network (CIBIN) have been linked. As stated by Attorney General Gonzales:" Previously, a cop investigating a gun crime in New York, who suspected a connection to a similar crime across the border in Toronto, would face such a complicated and labor-intensive ordeal in pursuing that lead, it was likely to just never happen. Now, (...) lab techs will be able to compare evidence in both systems and our law enforcement officers will save valuable time in their investigations -- allowing them to concentrate on solving crimes instead of filling out paperwork.”

For more information about the ATF's NIBIN program, please visit: www.nibin.gov