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The Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms And Explosives

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a law enforcement agency in the United States’ Department of Justice. Accordingly, the bureau’s primary mission is to safeguard the public from the most violent criminals and organized criminal enterprises through the enforcement of the United States federal firearms laws. In furtherance of this responsibility, ATF provides management and oversight for the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) network, a national database of interconnected automated ballistics imaging system terminals. While NIBIN has been in existence since 2003, the program being assessed was consequently established and formalized in 2014. Using NIBIN machines, tool mark evidence …show more content…

The primary activities and components for the NIBIN program consist of Comprehensive Collection, Timely Turnaround , Follow-Up, Feedback Loop, and Training. Effective program strategies are paramount for the successful use of resources and activities. Historically, the NIBIN program has primarily focused on the technical aspect of laboratory functions. In the current logic model; however, ATF has implemented the use of the NIBIN system and resources as an investigative lead tool. Accordingly, the emphasis is placed to identify “Trigger Pullers.” While the scientific process is very relevant for the introduction of evidence pursuant to criminal prosecution, this methodology is time consuming. The NIBIN Executive Board is a representation from the law enforcement agencies that are key stakeholders in the NIBIN program. As such, members of the executive team meet to review performance, operational policies, and set strategic goals. Therefore, the leadership board is instrumental in providing oversight as to the overall success of the program. The staffing model consists of a Group Supervisor to oversee overall NIBIN operations. The NIBIN Contractor facilitates NIBIN entries, triages unconfirmed and confirmed NIBIN hits, tracks success, and provides training. ATF Industry Operations Investigators are utilized to assist with Crime Gun tracing and identify high risk Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL’s). ATF Special Agents and Task Force Officers conduct criminal

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