(December 16, 2008)
PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and representatives of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives recognized the County Crime Lab’s Firearms/Toolmarks Section today for its 1500^th positive identification of a gun cartridge casing using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Allegheny County ranks in the top five jurisdictions in reaching this extraordinary mark.

“Today’s honor is further evidence of the dedication and expertise of our crime lab employees,” said Onorato. “The ATF has recognized Allegheny County as being one of the most efficient labs in the country. We are 12^th out of more than 200 jurisdictions in entering evidence into the system. I want to congratulate our Medical Examiner, Dr. Karl Williams, and his staff for their continuing effort to solve crimes.”

NIBIN equipment allows examiners to compare digital images of the distinctive markings made by firearms on bullets and cartridge casings to discover links between crimes. The system acts as a catalogue of ballistic information, linking law enforcement agencies across the state and nation.

“Use of technology to solve investigations and impact the violence on our streets exhibits law enforcement’s commitment to address the crime problems of 21^st Century America,” said Mark W. Potter, Special Agent in Charge for the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

Since the ATF and its partner agencies began using NIBIN, more than 1.5 million pieces of crime scene evidence have been entered into the system. Allegheny County started using NIBIN in 1998.

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