- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
1995-1999
Home > History > 1995-1999
1995
IBIS
Brasscatcher™ was developed by Forensic Technology, Inc., to assist with the identification of cartridge cases. FTI combined BulletProof™ and BrassCatcher™ and renamed the merged software/hardware elements Integrated Ballistics Identification System® (IBIS).
1996
The National Institute of Standards (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was directed to provide technical assistance to assist with "ballistic imaging interoperability" between the DRUGFIRE and IBIS technologies.
1997
The ATF and the FBI agreed to make DRUGFIRE and IBIS® systems compatible. As a result, the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Program (NIBIN) was established.
1998
The Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN) was established. The purpose of SWGGUN was to develop a series of consensus guidelines for the firearm and toolmark discipline and to disseminate SWGGUN guidelines, studies, and other findings that may be of benefit to the forensic community.
1999
After evaluating the feasibility of merging DRUGFIRE and IBIS® under the NIBIN initiative, the ATF and the FBI agreed to a unified firearm identification system: IBIS® supported by the FBI’s secure, high-speed network. Both agencies also agreed to joint implementation and maintenance of the NIBIN program.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) announced the formation of the ATF National Firearm Examiner Academy (NFEA) for the purpose of providing training for apprentice/entry level firearm and toolmark examiners from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The NFEA Academy was developed with input from AFTE.
