Summary
Highlights
The Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) is a machine used to photograph unique markings on bullets and cartridge cases after they've been fired. These markings, like scratches, are consistent for each firearm but unique across different firearms.
Traditionally, detectives would bring a suspect's gun to examiners. Now, IBIS stores evidence indefinitely. This allows examiners to link new crime scenes or guns to old, unsolved cases, even months or years later, by finding matches in the system.
A cartridge has four components: bullet, case, primer, and gunpowder. When fired, the firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the powder, which propels the bullet. The barrel's rifling leaves unique grooves and striations on the bullet. The reaction force pushes the cartridge case against the breach wall, stamping a unique pattern on its surface. Both the bullet and case provide distinct patterns for identification.
The BulletTracks machine performs a 3D topographical scan of the markings on a bullet's surface. The bullet is rotated 360 degrees under a sensor that captures its surface topography, revealing the unique striated patterns.
The BrassTracks machine photographs markings on the head of the cartridge case. It captures breach face marks on the primer, firing pin impressions, and ejector marks. It takes multiple photographs which are then reconstructed into a single, comprehensive image of the cartridge case head.
The system allows examiners to view breach face information and striations side-by-side between a reference exhibit and a potential match. This visual comparison, aided by tools like a hairline, helps identify commonalities and confirm matches, even with the naked eye where significant similarities are present.
TrackX machines enable firearms examiners to scan thousands of reference exhibits across jurisdictions, a scale previously impossible. This technology provides new tools to create links between crimes, helping to solve cases and get criminals off the street.