# Justice Manual § 9-13.150: Processing Ballistics Evidence in Connection with Criminal Investigations > Federal · Agency guidance · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.150 ## Section - **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-13.150 - **Heading:** Processing Ballistics Evidence in Connection with Criminal Investigations - **Jurisdiction:** Federal - **Kind:** Agency guidance - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-13.000 - Obtaining Evidence / Justice Manual § 9-13.150 ## Text The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is an essential gun intelligence tool. Operated by ATF, NIBIN enables federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial investigators to match fired cartridge casings to the guns from which they were fired and link shooting incidents. NIBIN technology has proven its value by generating investigative leads essential to solving gun crimes and reducing violence. The effectiveness of NIBIN is dependent on the comprehensive collection of fired casings, the prompt test-firing of recovered firearms, and the timely entry of such ballistics evidence into the NIBIN system. To enhance NIBIN's effectiveness, ATF has engaged in extensive outreach and training to federal law enforcement and our state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners, and these efforts have resulted in significant progress. Entry of ballistic data into NIBIN has steadily increased, as has the number of investigative leads the system generates. 1.  Requirement to Enter Evidence into NIBIN All DOJ agents and investigators are required to enter ballistics evidence in accordance with Department guidance and ATF procedures into NIBIN, including all firearms and fired cartridge casings recovered in connection with criminal investigations, including during Department-funded task force operations. This requirement applies regardless of whether a Department component or a state, local, Tribal, or territorial law enforcement partner takes possession of the firearm or fired cartridge casing. For any agency without a readily accessible NIBIN acquisition site, ATF can assist by providing acquisition services at select ATF Field Divisions, as well as the three national ATF NIBIN lab sites. To the extent logistical barriers are identified that complicate compliance with this requirement, components should contact the Office of the Deputy Attorney General for assistance. 2.  Timeliness of Evidence Entry ithout a readily accessible NIBIN acquisition site, ATF can assist by providing acquisition services at select ATF Field Divisions, as well as the three national ATF NIBIN lab sites. To the extent logistical barriers are identified that complicate compliance with this requirement, components should contact the Office of the Deputy Attorney General for assistance. 2.  Timeliness of Evidence Entry DOJ agents and investigators must submit ballistics evidence for entry into NIBIN no later than 14 days after a firearm or fired cartridge casing is recovered, absent unexpected and extenuating circumstances.  DOJ agents and investigators should strive to enter ballistics data into NIBIN within 48 hours of recovery. [Added January 2025] ## Nearby sections - [Justice Manual § 9-13.001 Electronic Recording of Statements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.001.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.002 Storage of Evidence in Criminal Matters and Cases](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.002.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.100 Use of Body-Worn Cameras by Task Force Officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.100.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.150 Processing Ballistics Evidence in Connection with Criminal Investigations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.150.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.200 Communications with Represented Persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.200.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.300 Polygraphs—Department Policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.300.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.400 Obtaining Information From, or Records of, Members of the News Media; and Questioning, Arresting, or Charging Members of the News Media](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.400.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.410 Guidelines for Issuing Subpoenas to Attorneys for Information Relating to the Representation of Clients](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.410.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.420 Searches of Premises of Subject Attorneys](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.420.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.500 International Legal Assistance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.500.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.510 Obtaining Evidence Abroad—General Considerations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.510.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.512 Intended Use of the Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.512.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.514 Time Required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.514.md) - [Justice Manual § 9-13.516 Cost of Obtaining Evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.516.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-13.150. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.