The Wheeling Police Department has successfully launched its National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) system. This cutting-edge forensic tool is expected to significantly enhance law enforcement’s ability to investigate and solve gun-related crimes more efficiently and effectively. WPD acquired the NIBIN machine through funding provided by the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

Housed in a secure location within the department, the machine is available for use by all area law enforcement agencies seeking assistance with ballistic evidence in ongoing cases.

“The NIBIN system offers numerous benefits to the law enforcement community,” said Chief Shawn Schwertfeger. “This technology helps investigators solve cases faster, remove violent offenders from our streets, identify firearm trafficking patterns and repeat offenders, and enhance interagency information sharing. We hope all of our law enforcement partners in the Upper Ohio Valley and beyond will take advantage of this resource. It’s partnerships like the one we have with the ATF that truly make law enforcement collaboration possible.”

Developed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the NIBIN system enables forensic specialists to capture, analyze, and compare ballistic evidence—specifically shell casings—recovered from crime scenes. The system digitally scans the unique markings left on spent shell casings by firearms and uploads the images to a centralized national database. These images are then compared to thousands of other entries to identify potential matches.

How does the NIBIN system work?
 Shell casings recovered from crime scenes or test-fired firearms are collected and entered into the system. The NIBIN machine captures high-resolution, 3D images of the distinctive markings on the casings. The system then compares these markings against a regionwide database of ballistic evidence. When a potential match is identified, the system generates an investigative lead, linking incidents that may have otherwise appeared unrelated.

Law enforcement agencies interested in learning more about the NIBIN machine or seeking assistance with a case are encouraged to contact the Wheeling Police Department’s Investigations Division at 304-234-3664.