FastTRAX NIBIN Investigative Lead Program

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is an essential gun intelligence tool.  Operated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), NIBIN enables federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial investigators to match fired cartridge cases 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 all that ballistics evidence into the NIBIN system.

As per the U.S. Department of Justice, agencies should strive to enter ballistics data into NIBIN within 48 hours.  In order to better meet this mandate and provide our best service to you, our stakeholders, the OSBI Laboratory has implemented the OSBI FastTRAX NIBIN Investigative Lead Program, where OSBI staff will provide quick, same-day, one-visit NIBIN service for all FastTRAX-eligible items.*  

How does the new OSBI FastTRAX program work?

The OSBI FastTRAX program is a quick and easy NIBIN-specific workflow, modeled after other successful NIBIN programs across the nation and adapted for Oklahoma.  It is operated outside of the other accredited laboratory services provided by the OSBI Laboratory and allows for the timely entry of all ballistics evidence into the NIBIN system.  Agencies may now bring unloaded firearms and/or evidence cartridge cases directly to our new, dedicated FastTRAX room at the OSBI Forensic Science Center in Edmond for instantaneous NIBIN evaluation, as they wait.  There is no longer a need for FastTRAX items to be submitted to the OSBI Laboratory*, and all items brought with you are returned with you at the conclusion of your visit, never leaving your custody.  OSBI staff will ensure that any items deemed suitable for NIBIN entry are entered within 48 hours, and if an investigative lead is developed, a notification from FastTRAX@osbi.ok.gov will be provided to you for investigative follow-up by your agency.

What will OSBI FastTRAX do with my firearms?

All firearms must be unloaded and rendered safe before bringing to the OSBI for FastTRAX.  They will then be test fired by trained OSBI staff while in your presence, allowing you to maintain visual contact and chain-of-custody of your items at all times during your visit.  OSBI staff will evaluate suitability of the test fires for NIBIN entry within minutes, as you wait, and then return your firearms directly to you.  All test fires suitable for NIBIN entry will be entered within 48 hours of your visit, and because test fires are considered work-product that can be regenerated through subsequent refiring of a firearm, there is no need for you or your agency to return at a later date to retrieve any test fires.  As they are work-product (not evidence), they will be recycled after NIBIN entry.   

What will OSBI FastTRAX do with my evidence cartridge cases?

Within minutes, OSBI staff will evaluate and enter any selected evidence cartridge cases that are suitable for NIBIN entry while you wait.  During your visit, you will be able to maintain visual contact of your items at all times and preserve chain-of-custody.  At the conclusion of your visit, all evidence cartridge cases will be returned directly to you.

Where do I go for OSBI FastTRAX?

OSBI FastTRAX is housed inside the OSBI Forensic Science Center located at 800 E. 2^nd Street, Edmond, OK 73034, in the back of the building next to the Evidence Receiving area.  Officers can gain entry into the secure, fenced area of the OSBI Laboratory parking lot behind the building through the rolling gate by calling the FastTRAX number (405) 862-3384.  Officers will identify themselves and their agency, and an OSBI staff member will open the rolling gate for officers to access either of the two reserved FastTRAX’s parking spots that are located directly adjacent to the FastTRAX room.  If both reserved parking spots are occupied, officers may park in any other open parking spaces.  After parking, look for the FastTRAX door with signage and directions posted regarding how to enter FastTRAX.

When is OSBI FastTRAX open?

OSBI FastTRAX operates from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday, except state holidays.  Officers must arrive no later than 4pm for FastTRAX service in order to allow sufficient time for OSBI staff to process and evaluate FastTRAX items for NIBIN entry prior to closing at 5pm.  In order to avoid any inconvenience, officers with large amounts of firearms and/or evidence cartridge cases are encouraged to come early in the day and call ahead, if possible.  Under certain circumstances, exceptions and other arrangements may be considered by OSBI staff. 

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is necessary; however, they are encouraged, especially if bringing several firearms and/or evidence cartridge cases.  Appointments can be made anytime during normal business hours by calling (405) 862-3384 or by emailing FastTRAX@osbi.ok.gov.

Do I need to complete any paperwork before coming?

No paperwork or submission forms need to be completed prior to arrival to use the OSBI FastTRAX program.  OSBI staff will gather all required information needed for NIBIN entry(ies) during your visit, including but not limited to agency/point-of-contact, case number(s), item number(s), offense, date of offense, and other firearm/evidence cartridge cases details using the attached OSBI FastTRAX NIBIN Site Agreement form to document your visit and use of the OSBI FastTRAX program.  If you would like to expedite your visit, you are welcome to fill out and print the agreement form prior to your arrival, which will be provided back to you at the end of your visit.

I have more questions.  Who can I contact?

OSBI FastTRAX dedicated phone line: (405) 862-3384
OSBI FastTRAX dedicated email: FastTRAX@osbi.ok.gov
OSBI Criminalistics Services Division Firearms & Toolmarks Supervisor/Technical Manager:
         Kate Millar / (405) 715-9524 / kate.millar@osbi.ok.gov

*Some items may still require official submission to the OSBI Laboratory for analysis after having been processed/evaluated through the OSBI FastTRAX program; examples include:

• Case circumstances requiring an official laboratory report stating functionality of a firearm 
• Case circumstances requiring an official laboratory report stating comparison conclusions for firearm-related evidence

Additionally, some items may not be suitable for the OSBI FastTRAX program at all; examples include:

• Evidence items needing firearm-related testing and other laboratory analysis, such as biology and/or latent fingerprint analyses