Introduction

Prior to the development of automated ballistic identification systems such as the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS), identifying bullets, cartridge casings, and firearms consisted of a firearms examiner manually analyzing a pair of bullets under a comparison microscope. It wasn’t until the 1990’s, when computer systems started to become more affordable, that automated systems began to appear. Now, although the technology is continuing to evolve, systems like IBIS are the most trusted way of analyzing ballistic evidence.

How Ballistic Identification Works

As shown in Figure 1, a firearm has a number of basic components. There is the barrel/firing chamber, where the cartridge will pass through when discharged. You also have barrel rifling, which are grooves inside the barrel. At the rear of the barrel/firing chamber is the breech face, along with a firing pin that strikes the cartridge through a hole in the breech face and causes the cartridge to discharge. The ejector removes the shell casing from the firearm.

Figure 1

Ballistic identification evaluates markings on bullets and/or cartridge casings made by a number of these components. The firing pin, barrel rifling, breech face, and ejector all leave unique markings on the projectile. Some can be seen with the naked eye, while others require more sophisticated viewing methods. By analyzing these markings, you can identify the bullet/cartridge casing/firearm "fingerprint" and match it to other information.

Current technology uses light angles and several variations of scanners and image capture techniques to take a digital image of the bullet or cartridge casing. The technology then searches a database for possible comparable matches, and a forensic examiner evaluates the potential matches.

Breakthrough Technology

IBIS Heritage

IBIS Heritage is the original groundbreaking system of automated ballistic identification technology. The system utilized BrassCatcher (used to evaluate cartridge casings, replaced by BrassTrax-3D), BulletProof (used for evaluating bullets, replaced by BulletTrax-3D), and a number of software and network systems, which are further discussed below. The fundamental flaw of this system is its use of only two-dimensional technology, which has provided a need for a new, upgraded system. As a result, we now have the IBIS-Trax 3D system.

Matchpoint, LDAS (Local Data Acquisition Station), and RDAS (Remote Data Acquisition Station)

These systems are what gave IBIS Heritage the ability to function not just as a scientific data collection unit, but as a database as well. Matchpoint functioned as the next step in evaluating data collected through IBIS Heritage, allowing the user to compare and analyze information and images. LSAS and RDAS housed the network that stored all of this information, and allowed both local and remote access and submission of records. As you will read below, this portion of the system isn't very different from the systems used in the newer IBIS-Trax 3D system. The newer models are more of an upgraded version of the same technology. They operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

Comparison Microscopes

Comparison microscopes are less of a new technology, and more of an evolving one. Forensic Technology recently acquired a new extension of their company called Projectina. Projectina develops and manufactures a wide range of forensic products. Some of the comparison microscopes they have designed include the Universal Comparison Microscope (UMC) and COMAC comparison microscope. Both provide a new level of sophistication in regards to ease and simplicity of operation as well as high optical and mechanical quality.

IBIS-Trax 3D: Current Technology

Ballistic identification hardware systems are primarily supplied by Forensic Technology, the company that created and continues to maintain the Integrated Ballistic Information System (IBIS). Now, they provide a wide range of multipurpose hardware.

The hardware used in ballistic identification is something that has evolved tremendously over recent years, primarily to accommodate changes in weapon technology. This is most reflected in the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional annalistic methods.

HARDWARE

• IBIS BulletTrax-3D

          IBIS BulletTrax-3D is the component of the IBIS-Trax 3D system that analyzes bullets. It takes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of a bullet’s surface and uses these images to analyze markings to identify the weapon it came from and/or match it to other bullets within the network. It supports a wide range of calibers and various weapons, including conventionally rifled firearms, converted weapons, and polygonal barrel firearms. Prior to the development of the IBIS-Trax 3D, it was much more difficult to identify bullets from rifles with a polygonal barrel (a particular groove pattern within the barrel of the firearm).

• IBIS BrassTrax-3D

          IBIS BrassTrax-3D is actually very similar to the BulletTrax system, except that it works with cartridge casings rather than bullets. It also takes two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and analyzes markings, and also supports a wide range of caliber and weapon types.

SOFTWARE/ANALYSIS

The software/analysis portion of the IBIS-Trax 3D system appears in the form of IBIS Matchpoint+. Matchpoint+ is an upgraded version of the original Matchpoint system used with the IBIS Heritage hardware. Matchpoint+ allows the operator to remotely access the database to compare and analyze bullet and cartridge casing images. It offers multiple viewing modes, utilizes both two- and three-dimensional images, and allows the user to generate reports based on their findings.

Although Matchpoint+ is housed within its own hardware system, the hardware itself doesn't appear much different than a computer the average person would use at home. It's the software itself that makes this part of the system unique and effective.

DATABASE/NETWORK

• IBIS Correlation Server

          The IBIS Correlation Server is essentially the "brains" of the analytical portion of the IBIS-Trax 3D technology. It provides the ability to search hundreds of thousands of records with speed and efficiency. It also manages all forensic data collected in other portions of the system, and allows the user to compare said data.

• IBIS Data Concentrator

          The IBIS Data Concentrator is essentially the storage system for all of the ballistic data collected by the IBIS-Trax 3D system. It compresses data to allow for efficient storage in minimal space, can be installed and accessed both remotely and locally, and provides a link between the data collected from the old IBIS Heritage system and the new IBIS-Trax 3D system.

BENEFITS IN USING 2D AND 3D TECHNOLOGY

Figure 2

The shift to 2D/3D hybrid systems came for a number of reasons. The most notable reasons include the analysis of bullets and accuracy overall. The 2D system was successful in the analysis of undamaged, copper-jacketed bullets. However, in comparison to its 3D counterpart, it is inferior in regards to analysis of lead bullets or those of different compositions (Brinck, 2008). With bullets evolving, a new way of analyzing becomes a necessity. Accuracy is critical in the handling of any forensic evidence. 2D analysis, although accurate in many situations, does not offer the same extensive evaluation capabilities as it does when paired with 3D technologies. Figure 2 compares the same two bullets using 2D technology (left side) and 3D technology (right side). At first glance, the 2D image seems to show a negative match. One could conclude that they are not the same. The 3D image on the other hand clearly shows that the bullets do in fact match. Without 3D technology, our ability to compare ballistic evidence is severely limited.

Additional technologies

FRT: The Firearms Reference Table 

The FRT software was developed by the Canadian Royal Mounted Police, and is now available for free for all law enforcement agencies through Forensic Technologies. The software is a database that contains over 21,000 records of individual firearms, making identification and classification simple and efficient.

Firecycle

Firecycle is an online database tracking system that law enforcement agencies can use to track a firearm through its lifetime. This can include lost/stolen firearms, newly licensed/purchased firearms, and firearms belonging to police officers or other law enforcement officials. The system provides additional tools to solve crimes and reduce firearm violence within the community, thereby reducing cost to society and providing additional safety.

Conclusion

Ballistic identification incorporates a wide range of technologies, all of which have changed significantly in recent years. The ability to accurately analyze this type of forensic information has created opportunities for us to solve crimes, reduce firearm violence, and create a safer community. In addition, having a nationwide network of ballistic records pushes the improvements much further than the local level, offering us a safer country as a whole. By continuing to develop and utilize ballistic identification technologies, we will continue to see positive changes in all aspects of the criminal justice system.

System Integration and Ballistics

System Integration: A Brief Overview

System integration is the idea of multiple users being able to access a common collection of data. In regards to the criminal justice system, system integration has evolved into a critical factor in law enforcement, the court system, the corrections system, and in overall public safety. It provides a network for various agencies to access data, documents, records, and other critical information quickly and efficiently. Within the court system, information exchange can impact decision points such as setting bail. Within the corrections system, fingerprints, mug shots, and tattoo/scar photos collected from offenders are submitted into a common database (IAFIS). Regarding public safety, system integration affects monitoring of firearms sales, child protective services, criminal background checks, and a wide range of other services and safety related activity. In law enforcement, system integration directly influences evidence collection, crime scene processing, arrests, and, as discussed below, ballistic identification. Overall, system integration affects nearly every aspect of the criminal justice system.

System Integration and Ballistics

The concept of integrated systems primarily applies to ballistics through both the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and the Integrated Ballistic Information System (IBIS). The NIBIN allows law enforcement agencies across the country to both submit and access information collected on bullets, cartridge casings, and firearms. The system allows law enforcement officials to identify patterns and match bullets/cartridge casings to weapons used in crimes, often assisting in arrest and conviction of criminals. Similarly, the IBIS system also allows for submission and collection of common data, but also incorporates the forensic and analytical portions of ballistics as well.

References

Cracking the Case. (n.d.) The Crime-Solving Promise of Ballistic Identification. Retrieved from http://www.forensictechnology.com.

FBI - Homepage. (n.d.). FBI - IAFIS. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/fingerprints_biometrics/iafis/iafs.

Forensic Technology. (n.d.) Benefits of combining 2D and 3D Technology. Retrieved from http://www.forensictechnology.com. 

Forensic Technology. (n.d.). IBIS Trax-3D. Retrieved from http://www.forensictechnology.com.
 

National Information Exchange Model. (n.d.). Learn About NIEM. Retrieved from   https://www.niem.gov/.

National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. (n.d.). Program Overview. Retrieved from http://www.nibin.gov. 

Roberts, David J. October 2001. Integration in the Context of Justice Systems: A Common Understanding. Retrieved from http://www.search.org/files/pdf/Integration.pdf.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Home Page - NY DCJS. (n.d.). Software Products and Technology Resources - NY DCJS. Retrieved from http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ojis/products.htm.

Important Web Sites

Forensic Technology

http://www.forensictechnology.com

National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)

http://www.nibin.gov