JSM Preliminary Online Program
This is the preliminary program for the 2009 Joint Statistical Meetings in Washington, DC.

The views expressed here are those of the individual authors
and not necessarily those of the ASA or its board, officers, or staff.

Back to main JSM 2009 Program page

Activity Number: 310
Type: Topic Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Sponsor: Section on Statistics in Defense and National Security
Abstract - #303798
Title: Ballistic Imaging
Author(s): John E. Rolph*+
Companies: University of Southern California
Address: Marshall School of Business, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0809,
Keywords: Ballistics Imaging ; Firearms ; Criminal Investigation ; Ballistics Evidence
Abstract:

Since the early 1980s, computer databases of images of spent cartridge casings and bullets have been used in criminal investigation. The 2002 Washington DC sniper shootings led to a NRC study of ballistic imaging technology and whether to create a national reference database of images of from test-fires of all newly manufactured or imported firearms. The study also investigated the emerging technology of micro-stamping: etching a known identifier on firearm or ammunition parts so that they can be directly read and recovered from crime scene evidence. This talk will summarize the NRC committee's report and its findings, including its assessment of the implications of micro-stamping, the performance of the current system of images from crime-related ballistics evidence, and the statistical basis for the committee's recommendation on a national reference database.

  • The address information is for the authors that have a + after their name.
  • Authors who are presenting talks have a * after their name.

Back to the full JSM 2009 program


JSM 2009 For information, contact jsm@amstat.org or phone (888) 231-3473. If you have questions about the Continuing Education program, please contact the Education Department.
Revised September, 2008