Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

National Research Council

Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

Committee on Law and Justice

Committee on National Statistics

National Materials Advisory Board

Committee to Assess the Feasibility, Accuracy, and Technical Capability of a National Ballistics Database

Ballistic Imaging assesses the state of computer-based imaging technology in forensic firearms identification. The book evaluates the current law enforcement database of images of crime-related cartridge cases and bullets and recommends ways to improve the usefulness of the technology for suggesting leads in criminal investigations. It also advises against the construction of a national reference database that would include images from test-fires of every newly manufactured or imported firearm in the United States. The book also suggests further research on an alternate method for generating an investigative lead to the location where a gun was first sold: "microstamping," the direct imprinting of unique identifiers on firearm parts or ammunition.