OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – Every time a gun is discharged, distinct markings are left on bullet shells, creating a unique “fingerprint.” At the Oklahoma City Police Department and the ATF, the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is being utilized to compile a database of crimes and trace these brass fingerprints.
“Our real goal here is to find serial shooters and put them in jail,” said Kevin Brown, ATF’s resident agent over the Oklahoma City Field Office.
The NIBIN unit, a partnership between the ATF and OKCPD, is located in the crime lab next to the Oklahoma City Police Department. Every gun recovered as evidence after a crime first undergoes testing in a steel-reinforced water-filled tank.
“One of our operators literally fires the gun into the hole, puts a live round in, and fires the round,” explained Brown.
The fired shell, or brass, is then processed into the BrassTrax system, which searches for the unique “fingerprint” left by the firearm on the shell casing. The system makes it easier to detect the markings by producing several renderings.
The data is then uploaded to a nationwide cloud-based server located in Huntsville, Alabama or Wichita State University, which is followed by a search for matches that are then verified by dedicated employees.
According to the OKCPD, in 2023, 348 investigative leads were generated from NIBIN. This initiative has been successful in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities and linking different crime scenes together. That’s how the system worked effectively in identifying Marcus Harris, who was convicted of committing nine armed robberies in January of 2023.
“Based off of one incident, you can have a spiderweb of several other crimes where a gun was used to commit a shooting,” said Captain Valerie Littlejohn with OKCPD.
This technology has been an essential tool for law enforcement agencies, leading to the development of leads and the linking of different crime scenes, augmenting their detailed investigation work.
NIBIN has proven to be an effective crime-fighting tool, aiding in the arrest and incarceration of individuals involved in criminal activities. It has brought shutdowns to numerous illicit activities and ensured a safer environment for communities.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the incorporation of 21st-century technology have significantly enhanced the ability to combat crime. With NIBIN, the fight against gun-related crimes is being revolutionized, providing a crucial avenue for officers to develop leads and connect diverse criminal activities.