National Integrated Ballistic Information Network - Essay Example

1. Describe NIBIN, IAFIS and CODIS. NIBIN is the acronym for National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. In 1999, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms initiated NIBIN. In addition to making it easier for law enforcement to ferret out links between crime scenes and making it easier to search inter and intra state investigations, this program provides automated ballistic imaging for local, Federal and State law enforcement. NIBIN houses a database of digital images of the markings made on used ammunition recovered from a crime scene or a crime gun test fire.

The digital images are then compiled within hours into a file which are next compared to the images already in the database. A "hit" occurs when the new information presents a match with the data already entered into the database. Maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IAFIS is the acronym for The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. It is the biggest biometric database in the world. It is used by all jurisdictions which is a tremendous help in identifying suspects at crime scenes.

In addition to fingerprints is also houses a criminal history database. The IAFIS provides "automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year". (United States Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation) CODIS is the acronym for the Combined DNA Index System. It is responsible for exchanging and comparing DNA evidence in violent crime scene investigations by and between crime labs within the United States and several international law enforcement agencies. 2. Briefly identify and discuss the steps in the intelligence/analytical cycle.

The intelligence/analytical cycle is a five-step process which is continuous:A. Step One - Planning and Direction. The intelligence/analytical process begins and must be run from identifying the main focus of the intelligence. It is responsible for delivering the final product to the law enforcement unit that is requesting it. B. Step Two - Collection and Management. Collection is the gathering and managing of raw data/information which is then analyzed to produce the finished product.C. Step Three - Processing.

Processing is the system by which raw information from all sources is converted into a form which can be used by analysts.D. Step Four - Analysis and Production. . Analysis and production is the method by which the conversion of the data which has been processed and is translated into the finished intelligence product.E. Step Five - Dissemination. The last element this five-step intelligence cycle is the dissemination of the finished intelligence report back to the law enforcement agency whom requested it.3. What are sprees, hot spots and crimogens According to (McGraw Hill )Spree is defined as a group of kids walking through a neighborhood vandalizing cars by spray painting their license plates read is an example of a spree.

A hot spot is defined as a geographic location where various crimes are committed on a regular basis.A crimogen is defined as an individually known offender who is responsible for a large number of crimes or one victim reporting a large number of crimes.Works ConsultedMcGraw Hill . McGraw Hill Online Learnong Center. 2002. 12 May 2009 .United States Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation. CJIS Division. April 2009. 12 May 2009 .