Statistics for Ballistic Identification

NIST is making advances in the science and technology of ballistics identification of firearms; SED provides statistical analyses and designs as a vital part of this project.

SED continues to be part of a multi-OU effort at NIST to advance the area of ballistics identification.
This effort is funded by NIST's Office of Law Enforcement Standards, using funds provided by the Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice.
The results have provided a more scientific basis for ballistics identification of firearms, helped ballistics analysts improve their procedures, and explored a topographic approach to ballistics identification that improves on current image-based approaches.

• Standard Bullet Reference Materials
• Standard Casings on track for later certification and release
• Major experimental and analytical study on feasibility of a national ballistics database using current technology
• Collaborative effort with ballistics operators across the country to find proposed control procedures and limits using experiments data involving NIST's standard bullets and casings