Report Advises Against New National Database of Ballistic Images

A new national database containing images of ballistic markings from all new and imported guns sold in the U.S. should not be created at this time, says the new report from the National Research Council, “Ballistic Imaging”. Such a database has been proposed to help investigators link ballistics evidence – cartridge cases or bullets found at crime scenes – to a firearm and the location where it was originally sold. But given the practical limitations of current technology for generating and comparing images of ballistics markings, searches of such an extensive database would likely produce too many candidates “matches” to be helpful, the report says.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice, the report notes that the fundamental assumption underlying forensic firearms identification – that every gun leaves microscopic marks on bullets and cartridge cases that are unique to that weapon and remain the same over repeated firings – has not yet been fully demonstrated scientifically. More research would be needed to prove that firearms identification rests on firmer scientific footing, said the committee that wrote the report. 

Nevertheless, current ballistic imaging technology is useful in generating leads for law enforcement investigation, said the committee. Its report recommends ways to improve the usefulness of an existing ballistic image database – limited to ballistics evidence associated with crimes – that is administered by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and used by more than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies. It also recommends further research on "microstamping," a technique that imprints unique marks on guns or ammunition. California recently passed a law requiring firearm microstamping as of 2010, and proposals to do the same at the national level are pending in Congress.

Full Press Release

Opening Statement

Committee on Assessing the Feasibility, Accuracy, and Technical Capability of a National Ballistics Database

Division of Behavioral, Social Science, and Education (DBASSE)

Committee on Law and Justice

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