Solving firing cases to become easier with new 3D technology

Police investigation into firing cases is set to get a shot in the arm with the introduction of a new technology.

The directorate of forensic science laboratory in Kalina has recently introduced a 3D technique for its ballistic investigation, which will help do away with the earlier practice of investigation through ‘special microscopes’ and other manual methods.

This technology will help the police solve firearms-related offences faster and more efficiently. If adopted by forensic laboratories around the country, the technology will also help in creating India’s first firearm tracking programme.

According to officials, the new technology is part of the integrated ballistics identification system (IBIS), which works by taking digital pictures of the unique markings found on the fired bullets or cartridges.

“The system is an amalgamation of hardware and software which helps in detecting the unique electronic signature of the bullet,” said an official. The images are then compared with the database of earlier ballistic evidences.

Officials say that with the introduction of this technology, forensic investigation in India will become on par with some of the advanced countries, where 3D technology is already being used.

At present, the system requires lots of capital investment, and hence only advanced countries have adopted it.

Every year, hundreds of cases related to ballistic investigation are brought to the forensic lab, but the reports take a lot of time due to the backlog of cases and the slow process of the outdated technology.

At times, the process takes over a year, but what is worse, many a times, the accuracy of the investigation report is also very poor.

“This delay and the low level of accuracy hampers police investigation,” said a senior official from the directorate of forensic science laboratory, Kalina.

Officials add that the database created made from the system will be connected to forensic labs across the country so that in a firing case, the details can be easily matched with earlier instances.