Ballistic Fingerprinting: Can It Solve Crimes?

Oct. 16, 2002 -- One way investigators have been able to link the string of shootings in the Washington, D.C., area is by analyzing the slugs that felled the victims. Here's an explanation of the technique, called ballistic fingerprinting, and a look at the debate surrounding the method.

What Is It?

Investigators using ballistic fingerprinting analyze a fired bullet or casing for scratches under a microscope. The markings, which — like fingerprints — are unique to each weapon, are then compared with those found on bullets used in separate shootings. The analysis can link multiple bullets to a single weapon and possibly, the shooter.

Tracing Marks to the Killer

Advocates for gun control want to expand the resources of ballistics investigators by creating a national computerized system for tracing bullets and shell casings to the guns that fired them. The system would require manufacturers to test-fire new guns before selling them to stores. Data detailing markings left on bullets by each weapon would then be entered into a computerized system known as IBIS.

Proponents say a national ballistic fingerprinting system would allow investigators who have found a bullet or bullets at the scene of a crime to enter data about the bullet's markings into the database and then quickly retrieve possible gun matches. This information could help lead them to the gun's buyer and possibly the perpetrator.

"This would take you directly to the person who bought that gun originally," Jim Kessler, a spokesman for Americans for Gun Safety told ABCNEWS, "which could take you with one other step to the person who used it in a crime."

Too Flawed to Fund?

Opponents to the system argue implementing the record keeping system would be expensive and may not prove effective. White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said Tuesday that President Bush is unconvinced of the technology's accuracy and is concerned about gun owners' privacy. NRA representatives say that bullets and shell casings can be altered easily and such tampering can make the ballistic fingerprints useless.

The NRA adds that guns used in crimes are often stolen so tracing a gun to its original buyer can prove fruitless.

Sanford Adams of the NRA told ABCNEWS he thinks those in favor of gun control are trying to use the Washington, D.C., shootings to their advantage.

"I think they are the lowest of the low because there is a definite tragedy out there and they are trying to take advantage of it to push their agenda," he said.

Systems Already in Place

Maryland and New York recently enacted legislation to set up statewide ballistic databases. The states require gun makers to supply bullet samples from handguns when they are sold.

Two firearm manufacturers, Smith & Wesson and Glock, are now installing a system to provide digital images of bullet markings left by all their handguns. The gun companies will maintain the databases and supply any information to law enforcement when needed.

Current Status

Although White House press secretary Fleischer has indicated the president opposes a national ballistics system, White House officials have asked federal law enforcement to analyze such a system and determine if it would be an effective tool.