Fort Wayne Police using advanced ballistics technology to cut gun violence

March 6, 2026 - 11:35

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Local law enforcement is deploying sophisticated new technology to transform shell casings into actionable intelligence, aiming to swiftly identify and apprehend violent gun offenders. The department's Crime Gun Intelligence Center is now utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a system that automates the analysis of ballistic evidence.

When a firearm is discharged, it leaves unique markings on cartridge casings, much like a fingerprint. Officers now collect casings from crime scenes and test fires from confiscated weapons. The NIBIN system then digitally images these casings and compares them against a national database at an accelerated pace.

This rapid comparison can reveal connections between different shootings, potentially identifying a single weapon used in multiple crimes. Investigators say this allows them to establish links between incidents faster, moving from evidence to lead in a matter of days rather than weeks or months. The goal is to disrupt cycles of violence by quickly focusing investigations on the most prolific offenders and getting illegal firearms off the streets.

The technology represents a significant shift toward intelligence-driven policing. By building a detailed picture of gun-related criminal activity, authorities hope to not only solve individual cases but also to proactively prevent future violence in the community.