Introduction
In the ongoing battle against gun violence, law enforcement agencies are turning to advanced technological tools to aid in their investigations. One such innovation is a specialized microscope that enables detectives to examine shell casings with exceptional detail. This technology not only aids in identifying the firearms used in crimes but also plays a crucial role in tracking the proliferation of unregistered and illegal weapons, including the increasingly prevalent “ghost guns.”
Advanced Ballistics Analysis
Microscopic Investigation of Shell Casings
Investigator Ryan Wood of the Binghamton Police Department is at the forefront of utilizing this cutting-edge technology. By placing a shell casing under the microscope, Wood can discern unique markings that may reveal the identity of the firearm from which it was discharged. These microscopic characteristics are akin to fingerprints, offering a potential link back to the weapon in question.
Integration with the NIBIN System
The process involves the use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a sophisticated system that captures thousands of images of the casing. Captain David Bidwell, Binghamton Police’s Intelligence Chief, explains that the casings are inserted into the NIBIN machine, which then securely transmits the images to a central database in Alabama. This system is employed by 11 agencies across the state and can, within hours, associate a casing with the type of firearm it was ejected from.
Impact on Crime Solving and Gun Control
Linking Crimes Across Jurisdictions
Since May of 2023, the Southern Tier’s use of the NIBIN system has resulted in 171 entries, with 46 casings linked to firearms used in other incidents. Bidwell highlights the system’s efficacy in connecting shootings not only within Broome County but also across state lines, reaching as far as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This inter-agency collaboration is vital in piecing together crime patterns and tracking the movement of illegal firearms.
Combatting the Ghost Gun Phenomenon
The NIBIN technology is particularly valuable in the fight against ghost guns, which are unserialized and often untraceable firearms assembled from various parts, including those purchased online or produced via 3D printing. Wood describes these weapons as an “uphill battle” due to their accessibility and the ease with which they can be privately manufactured. Despite the challenges ghost guns present, the unique ballistic signatures they leave on casings can still provide law enforcement with clues about the type of barrel or firearm used, aiding in investigations.
Recent efforts have led to significant arrests related to ghost gun trafficking, as evidenced by a three-month investigation in Central New York that culminated in five felony arrests. Wood notes the alarming trend of ghost guns becoming more common, particularly in smaller communities, due to their ease of assembly and increasing availability.
As law enforcement continues to grapple with gun violence, the hope is that advancements in technology, such as the NIBIN system, will enhance their ability to track and prevent shootings. In support of these efforts, New York enacted a law in 2019 mandating serial numbers on all gun parts, a measure currently under discussion at the federal level by the Supreme Court. This legislative action, combined with technological advancements, represents a dual approach to curbing the tide of illegal firearms and enhancing public safety.
