Idaho State Police Forensic Services Expands NIBIN Capabilities with New Unit in Coeur d’Alene

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) is proud to announce the installation of a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) unit at the Coeur d’Alene laboratory. This significant addition is the second NIBIN unit in Idaho, with the first installed in Meridian in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. The new unit will enhance the ability of local law enforcement in northern Idaho to conduct their own NIBIN entries on a 24/7 basis, improving investigative capabilities and turnaround times.

To support this initiative, ISPFS is currently retrofitting the firearms section of the Coeur d’Alene laboratory by adding a secure outside door, enabling law enforcement agencies to access the NIBIN terminal around the clock. Previously, these entries were performed at the Washington State Patrol Cheney laboratory facility, but the new addition brings this critical capability closer to home for Idaho agencies.

Funding for this advanced instrumentation was secured through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Byrne JAG grant program. The NIBIN system is pivotal in linking cartridge cases found at crime scenes to other cases or firearms entered into the network, providing law enforcement with essential leads in criminal investigations.

“This system represents a significant advancement in our ability to support law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho. By providing them with immediate access to powerful forensic tools like NIBIN, we are enhancing the services they can utilize to serve their communities,” said Matthew Gamette, Laboratory System Director. “The ability to link firearms evidence across cases in real time gives investigators actionable intelligence that can break open complex cases and lead to justice for victims. Our mission at ISPFS is to ensure that every law enforcement agency in Idaho has the tools to effectively protect and serve their communities. The NIBIN system is a testament to that commitment. We are committed to being leaders in implementing and advancing law enforcement technology that consistently meets the most robust standards to keep our state at the forefront of innovation and effectiveness in public safety.”

The expansion is part of a larger, multi-hundred-thousand-dollar upgrade to the firearms section’s instrumentation and equipment. In addition to the new NIBIN unit, ISPFS has implemented a cutting-edge 3D imaging system for firearms microscopy and comparison and several other state-of-the-art tools to enhance imaging, documentation, and analysis of firearms evidence.

ISPFS is committed to providing comprehensive training to law enforcement agencies in the Coeur d’Alene area as part of this initiative. This training ensures they can fully utilize the NIBIN system, empowering them to serve their communities better. Similar successful training has been implemented in the Treasure Valley with agencies such as Boise City, Ada County, Nampa City, and Canyon County. Additionally, ISPFS will continue to perform NIBIN entries for any Idaho law enforcement agency at no cost.

ISPFS remains dedicated to maintaining the country’s most advanced forensic science instrumentation to support law enforcement with the tools and expertise to solve crimes and ensure public safety. With two fully trained examiners, the ISPFS firearms unit is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities in forensic firearms analysis.

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Posted in Forensic Services