NIBIN
Definition
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. ATF-operated distributed network of IBIS acquisition sites and correlation servers across the United States, active since 1999 with over 4 million records.
- Operator
- U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Records in database
- Over 4 million records
- Since
- 1999
Common questions
What is NIBIN and what does it do?+
NIBIN stands for National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. It is a U.S. federal system run by the ATF that links firearm crime evidence by comparing bullet and cartridge case marks from different crime scenes. The database helps investigators identify when the same gun may have been used in multiple crimes.
How long has NIBIN been in operation?+
NIBIN has been active since 1999. It operates as a distributed network of acquisition sites and correlation servers across the United States, allowing ballistic evidence from different jurisdictions to be compared systematically.
What technology does NIBIN use?+
NIBIN uses IBIS (Integrated Ballistic Identification System) technology to capture, analyze, and match firearm evidence. The system stores and cross-references characteristics like firing pin impressions and cartridge case marks from submitted evidence.
Related terms
- NABIS
- National Ballistics Intelligence Service; the UK police intelligence service that maintains a national headstamp and firearm reference collection and coordinates ballistic intelligence...
- AFTE Theory of Identification
- The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners' standard (1992, revised 2011) for reporting tool-mark comparison conclusions as Identification, Inconclusive, or Elimination...
- BrassTRAX-3D HD
- The cartridge-case acquisition and database search module of the IBIS system. Captures firing-pin impression, breech-face, and ejector mark topography for correlation against...
- Breech Face
- The forward surface of the bolt, slide, or breech block that seals the chamber and contacts the cartridge case head during firing....
- BulletTRAX-3D HD
- The bullet-surface acquisition and database search module of the IBIS system. Captures land impression topography from fired bullets for correlation against database...
- Correlation Report
- The output of an automated NIBIN or IBIS database search above the review threshold. An investigative lead document, not a court exhibit....
- EBIS
- European Ballistic Information Service. Distributed ENFSI network of national IBIS nodes allowing cross-border cartridge case and bullet correlation searches between European forensic...
- Ejector Mark
- A striated or impressed feature left on the cartridge case rim or base by the ejector pin at the moment of case...
- Evofinder
- A competing ballistic identification system by Evofinder Ltd. (UK) using a different optical acquisition method and algorithm to IBIS. Deployed in jurisdictions...
- Extractor Mark
- Striations or impressed features on the extractor groove of the cartridge case, produced by the spring-loaded extractor claw during the extraction stroke....
- Firing-Pin Impression
- The indentation left in the primer cup by the firing-pin tip at the moment of discharge. Its shape (circular, oval, rectangular), size,...
- Headstamp
- The manufacturer identification and calibre marking stamped into the base of a cartridge case during manufacture. Includes manufacturer codes, year, NATO cross...
Explained in these topics
- Automated Ballistic Databases: IBIS, NIBIN, EBIS and INTERPOL IBINNational Integrated Ballistic Information Network. ATF-operated distributed network of IBIS acquisition sites and correlation servers across the United States,...
- Cartridge-Case Markers: Firing Pin, Breech Face, Ejector and ExtractorNational Integrated Ballistic Information Network, the ATF-operated system in the United States that links firearm crime evidence using IBIS technology. In ope...