APD to Begin Sharing Ballistics Database System with Isleta PD

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department and the Pueblo of Isleta have signed and begun work under a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that would allow the Pueblo of Isleta Police Department (IPD) to utilize APD’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

APD’s NIBIN data base entry system operates out of the Crime Lab, and is a part of an automated ballistics system that uses images of casings to evaluate and correlate firearms used in violent crimes. APD can use it the NIBIN system to search ballistics evidence in Albuquerque, neighboring areas, and even across the country.

“I am proud of the partnerships that have been developed between APD and our neighboring public safety agencies. Collaborations like this one are so important for all of us to keep communities safe from violent offenders,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We have made huge investments in technology and we will continue to share our tech and the data we are able to collect with our tribal partners.”

Through this MOA, IPD will be able to access NIBIN when investigating violent felony cases that occur in their jurisdiction. At least on IPD employee will be trained through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on the system.

“This memorandum of understanding between our law enforcement agencies illustrates our unified commitment to keep our communities safe by partnering together to fight and prosecute gun related crime,” said Victor Rodriguez, Chief of the Isleta Police Department. “We are grateful for APD sharing their NIBIN program with us as it will allow us immediate access to this new gun crime fighting technology and we encourage other law enforcement agencies to join this partnership.”

This partnership is a result of monthly meetings hosted by APD with tribal and metro public safety agencies that began in 2021. During these meetings, agencies discuss challenges they face, solutions to those issues, and potential partnerships.