BCA fields new mobile crime lab to speed up shooting investigations

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is now using a new mobile lab that can process gun crime evidence more efficiently and close shooting cases faster.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) brought a mobile National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) van to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) this week.

The BCA announced they’re planning on buying two additional NIBIN machines to tackle gun crimes and hold people accountable across Minnesota.

The mobile van is equipped with NIBIN technology. The software streamlines piecing together clues to close a shooting case. Investigators explained every gun tells a story.

“This resource will make a significant impact in the short term to help provide leads to investigators who are working diligently and sometimes through the night to solve the numerous gun crimes that have been plaguing our area,” William McCrary, ATF St. Paul field division special agent in charge, said.

The software takes images of ballistic evidence from shooting scenes and recovered guns. Then, it compares it to what’s already in the system.

When the software produces potential hits, technicians analyze the findings to see if the ballistic evidence matches previous crimes.

“Our goal is to turn around NIBIN leads to get the information back to the investigators within 24 to 48 hours. Basically, while the trail is still hot,” McCrary said.

This data later turns into intelligence reports used for investigations and court cases.

“Unfortunately, this amount of evidence has significantly grown over the past couple of years, which has made it difficult to keep up with demand,” McCrary said.

There are currently three NIBIN machines in Minnesota.

“The ATF and St. Paul police department have already completed over 75 entries with the first couple of hits coming through just yesterday,” Drew Evans, BCA superintendent, said.

Those hits could link multiple crimes back to one single weapon.

“We’re able to utilize NIBIN evidence to tie together those scenes and identify perpetrators and hold them accountable to bring safety back to our communities,” Evans said.