The National Academy of Sciences released its report, “Ballistic Imaging“, in which a committee was formed for the purpose of studying the feasibility of ballistic imaging. The results of that study indicate the idea of using such imaging for the purpose of tracking weapons isn’t a very good one.
The NRA reports that after consideration of several factors a national reference ballistic imaging database should not be formed.
The committee considered dozens of factors, including the uniqueness of images, the ability of imaging systems to capture images, the odds against images in a database being matched with cartridge cases and/or bullets found at crime scenes, the fact that “there is a huge existing supply of weapons and ammunition that would not be entered into the database,†and the fact that criminals can beat the system by using guns that do not leave brass at crime scenes, such as revolvers. After all was said and done, the committee concluded, “A national reference ballistic image database should not be established.â€
The committee’s chairman, John Rolph, a professor of statistics at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, additionally explained, “current technology for collecting and comparing toolmarks [left on bullets and brass cases] is not sufficiently precise in distinguishing extremely fine marks among so many images.†Among other limitations, “the type or brand of ammunition used in the initial firing of a gun would not necessarily be the same as the ammunition later used in a crime [and the] difference could be a significant source of error.â€
But, the same committee did recommend that more research should be conducted with micro-stamping, a process that would leave a distinct mark on casings and/or the bullet. Current studies have not provided enough evidence as to its effectiveness.
On the other hand, the report also recommended research on micro-stamping of both guns and ammunition, noting that studies have not yet determined how durable micro-stamped marks are under various firing conditions, how susceptible they are to tampering, or what their cost would be for manufacturers and consumers.
Whether ballistic imaging or micro-stamping is or is not effective in fighting crime, many feel that this is a direct intrusion into their right to keep and bear arms. Many people don’t know or have lost sight of the fact that along with ballistic imaging or micro-stamping comes the requirement of gun registration, something gun rights advocates fight against.
Tom Remington
