ATF NIBIN Site Will Expand Public Safety Capabilities in Hawai’i

Honolulu - The ATF Seattle Field Division announced the installation of a new National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) site, a significant advancement that will enhance the ability of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate shootings, identify violent offenders, and improve public safety throughout the region.

The Officer Suzanne O NIBIN site has been named in memory of Maui PD Officer Suzanne O, in recognition of her enduring legacy of service and sacrifice. Through this technology and the effort it supports, her legacy will remain a lasting part of Hawai'i's crime gun intelligence efforts and the ongoing mission to prevent gun violence.

NIBIN is the nation's only network capable of linking ballistic evidence recovered from crime scenes across jurisdictions. The system uses advanced imaging technology to capture and compare unique markings left on cartridge casings when a firearm is discharged. By identifying connections among shootings involving the same firearm, NIBIN generates investigative leads that help law enforcement solve crimes and disrupt cycles of gun violence. The installation of this new NIBIN site will provide local law enforcement agencies with faster access to critical ballistic intelligence, allowing investigators to develop leads more quickly and connect incidents that might otherwise appear unrelated.

"Every shell casing recovered from a crime scene has the potential to tell a story," said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. "By bringing NIBIN capabilities closer to the communities we serve, we are providing investigators with a powerful tool to identify violent offenders, solve shootings more efficiently, and prevent future acts of violence. This investment strengthens our ability to protect the public while supporting the dedicated law enforcement professionals working every day to keep our communities safe."

Timely ballistic intelligence has become an increasingly important component of modern violent crime investigations. NIBIN enables investigators to compare evidence from shootings across cities, counties, states, and regions, often generating leads within days or even hours. These connections can help identify suspects, establish links among multiple crime scenes, support firearms trafficking investigations, and uncover patterns of criminal activity. The new site also enhances collaboration among law enforcement partners. By ensuring that ballistic evidence is entered and analyzed promptly, agencies can share actionable intelligence more effectively and coordinate investigations across jurisdictional boundaries.

"NIBIN is far more than a technology platform, it is a force multiplier for law enforcement," said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. "When agencies work together and share information through systems like NIBIN, we can identify threats sooner, interrupt cycles of violence, and deliver justice to victims and their families."

Across the country, NIBIN has generated hundreds of thousands of investigative leads and has helped law enforcement connect shootings, identify repeat offenders, dismantle violent criminal organizations, and solve homicides.

The installation of this NIBIN site reflects the continued commitment of ATF and its law enforcement partners to leveraging innovative technology, strengthening investigative capabilities, and enhancing community safety. With a Crime Gun Specialist contractor working at the Officer Suzanne O NIBIN site, ATF will provide full-time NIBIN acquisitions, correlations, and firearm traces for all agencies in Hawai'i. We expect this site will play a critical role in supporting future violent crime investigations and reducing gun violence throughout the region.

About NIBIN

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). NIBIN uses ballistic imaging technology to compare cartridge casings recovered from crime scenes and test-fired from crime guns in law enforcement custody to generate investigative leads that help law enforcement identify links among shootings involving the same firearm. The system serves as a critical component of ATF's Crime Gun Intelligence strategy and supports law enforcement agencies nationwide in their efforts to combat violent crime.

Media Contact

Press contact for the ATF Seattle Field Division is Public Information Officer Anna Schmidt at [email protected].