NCJ Number
164251
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 23 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1996) Pages: 34,36-37
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In the early 1990's, the Federal Bureau of Investigation began distributing a computer program called Drugfire among crime laboratory firearms examiners; the Drugfire system provides laboratories with a computer-based method of storing cartridge case characteristics, comparing details among various stored cases, and sharing information with other agencies.
Abstract
The Drugfire work station, consisting of a personal computer, has an input device that looks like part of a high technology comparison microscope. In addition, the work station has either a laser printer or a high-quality video printer to allow the examiner to print reports and photo output of the stored or compared evidence. The Drugfire system allows crime scene evidence to be stored and comparisons to be made by examiners in remote locations. Once a weapon is seized from a suspect, Drugfire software can trace it to bullets fired at the crime scene. A mobile criminal is thus no longer anonymous and can be linked to crimes committed throughout the country. The Regional Crime Laboratory at Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida, is one of eight crime laboratories in Florida where firearms examiners use the Drugfire system. Nationally, more than 40 forensic firearms laboratories use the Drugfire system. 3 photographs