ETSU playing key role in national crime-solving effort
East Tennessee State University is now the only university in the United States to
house a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) station.
It’s a prestigious honor that means elite law enforcement training, top-notch ballistic science research and more will be taking place at the university.
The NIBIN is a nationwide system that allows law enforcement agencies to track and link evidence from crime scenes, helping to identify firearms used in multiple incidents.
“NIBIN represents a significant advancement in our efforts to combat crime and ensure justice,” said Dr. Michael Lehrfeld, director of the Institute of Cyber and Homeland Security at ETSU and a member of the FBI’s cybercrime task force. “We at ETSU feel privileged to have this site located here.”
Having these resources in Johnson City could draw students to Appalachia.
ETSU offers undergraduate and graduate coursework in ballistic science, thanks to the NIBIN database. Graduate students will also be able to conduct research on ballistic science and crime networks.
“This will certainly attract students interested in forensic science, complementing our newly established minor in forensic science,” said Dr. Larry S. Miller, professor and former chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at ETSU.
The university has partnered with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Both agencies have provided all the necessary equipment and will service the equipment and conduct training at no cost to ETSU.
Earlier this fall, ETSU welcomed 75 law enforcement officers to the Brinkley Center for NIBIN training. Experts covered a range of topics, from operational procedures to data analysis. Officials got hands-on experience utilizing NIBIN machines, a preview of the type of training set to take place on ETSU’s campus for years to come.
Frank Light, a detective with the university’s police department, has taken the training.
“This is a game-changer for both our students and the broader law enforcement community,” Light said. “Having NIBIN at ETSU not only enhances our ability to investigate and solve crimes, but it also provides invaluable hands-on experience for the next generation of forensic and criminal justice professionals.”
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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