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/lead is made, law enforcement is notified and the original physical evidence may be resubmitted to the BCA FSS for confirmation. Confirmation of the lead is made by a firearms examiner through microscopic comparative examinations. The FIRST Section is working towards a 48 hour turnaround time from submission to NIBIN acquisition.
Serial number restoration (SNR)
Law enforcement agencies submit firearms with obliterated serial numbers, serial numbers that have been ground, filed or removed by other means, to the BCA FSS. 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. 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.
Function examinations
The FIRST Section offers expedited testing of pistols equipped with machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) such as "switches" and "chips". MCDs are designed to convert certain semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. Function testing performed in the laboratory will determine whether or not the pistol is capable of firing as a fully automatic weapon.
Forensic processing and case analysis
The Forensic Processing team in the FIRST Section is involved with expedited processing of evidence, typically DNA collections, to allow for a streamlined transfer of evidence through the laboratory. Additionally, this team is involved with case coordination, providing a single point of contact for investigators, to ensure efficiency in completion of examinations along with a thorough consideration of all forensic testing possibilities. The FIRST Section also has a full-time criminal intelligence analyst that assists agencies with investigation of violent crimes by an extensive review of forensic lead data. The resulting intelligence can help investigators share information and locate prolific offenders who commit crimes across city/county lines. The figure above depicts a typical linkage chart, which are used to examine and visualize the relationships between people, evidence items, forensic intelligence, locations, and criminal events.
Rapid DNA
The BCA FSS Rapid DNA Program is being developed to provide DNA results to investigators within hours of evidence submission rather than weeks/months. This growing technology has the potential to revolutionize the DNA industry. The FIRST Section is exploring the use of Rapid DNA in the laboratory, at crime scenes and within partner agencies throughout the state.
