NCJ Number
224189
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 72,74-76,78,80
Date Published
September 2008
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the potential of a nationally linked database program consisting of multiple forensic disciplines, such as shoe prints, tire tracks, glass, and chemical prints, as well as nationally recognized DNA, firearms, and fingerprints that could significantly aid law enforcement in connecting the dots when investigating a crime.
Abstract
It is the belief of latent print expert, Alex Mankevich that forensic databases are the means to arresting repeat offenders and reducing crime. However, the smaller niche databases that exist across the country assisting law enforcement are shadowed by the famous, better-funded and nationally supported siblings of AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Information Network). These smaller databases that are not mandated by Federal law do not receive the kind of attention and funding like AFIS, CODIS, and NIBIN. This lack for other forensic disciplines makes room for criminals to inadvertently skirt the system, since agencies do not have linked systems for tracking other possibly helpful evidence that might be vital to an investigation. This article discusses several other forensic disciplines and their existing database programs that could be linked nationally to hold strong the goal to hold repeat criminals accountable, such as shoe prints, tire tracks, glass, and chemical prints.