Forensic intelligence, response, support and testing (FIRST)
The Forensic Intelligence, Response, Support and Testing (F.I.R.S.T) Section consolidates and expands front-end forensic services to address the increased demand for expedited release of forensic results, primarily for violent crimes across the state. This section was established to build upon the long-established Crime Scene Response Program, the existing National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Program and to include evolving Rapid DNA protocols, while integrating other evidence screening protocols currently used throughout the laboratory.
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
The FIRST Section operates the statewide NIBIN Program. The BCA FSS has been involved with NIBIN since 2002. The BCA FSS has 4 IBIS Trax HD3D instruments in which images of fired evidence can be entered into the database. Once entered, the ATF compares the images to previous entries in the NIBIN database to associate different crime incidents and generate investigative leads for law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. When a potential association or "hit" is made, law enforcement is notified and the original physical evidence may be resubmitted to the BCA FSS for confirmation. Confirmation of the "hit" is made by a firearms examiner through microscopic comparative examinations.
Serial number restoration
Law enforcement agencies submit firearms and other items to the BCA FSS that have obliterated serial numbers, serial numbers that have been ground, filed or removed by other means. Forensic laboratory technicians can use physical and chemical techniques to restore or enhance altered characters. Restoring a serial number can provide law enforcement agencies with information about a firearm or other item and may offer a lead in an investigation. Generally technicians will polish the metal with a sand-paper type material to remove chips of metal from the surface. Next they will apply chemical reagents, typically acids, to etch the metal until the number is restored. The technician will select the proper chemical based on the variety of metal surface. For example, different chemicals are used to etch aluminum, zinc and steel alloys. Although the BCA FSS routinely restores serial numbers on the metal surfaces of firearms, they also have procedures for obliterations on wood and plastic surfaces.