Improve the forensic science services for the state of arkansas and improve the timeliness of results

The Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded Crime Laboratory Arkansas $242,800 on May 1, 2026, under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742) to purchase a 3D ballistic imaging system for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory's firearms section.

The system will reduce evidence examination backlogs and turnaround times by enabling rapid triage of cartridge cases for entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which identifies investigative leads by comparing firearms evidence across jurisdictions. The virtual comparison microscopy software allows examiners to conduct comparisons using digital images without handling physical evidence, reducing analysis subjectivity and improving result quality. The award addresses a critical backlog in homicide cases driven by increased evidence volume and cumbersome current processes that delay firearms examination. The system will serve all seventy-five counties of Arkansas through the state crime laboratory.

Performance takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a period of performance from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2029.

Timely processing of firearms evidence is crucial in developing investigative leads for law enforcement agencies in arkansas. These leads can help prevent violent criminals from offending again. Current technology requires cumbersome processes that lead to delays in examination of evidence. The amount of evidence in homicide cases has greatly increased over the past few years, leading to a growth in backlog and turnaround times. The primary activitiy planned to address the problem above is to purchase a 3D ballistic imaging system for the arkansas state crime laboratorys firearms section. The system will allow US to quickly triage cartridge cases and enter them into the national integrated ballistic information network (nibin), which provides actionable investigative leads by comparing firearms evidence to reveal previously unknown connections between violent crime committed in different jurisdictions. The systems virtual comparison microscopy (VCM) software also allows examiners to make comparisons with digital images without needing the physical evidence. Measurements and comparisons made within the software will also reduce the subjectivity of analysis. This will increase the quality of work and improve the timeliness of results. The activities in this project will improve the forensic science analysis provided by the arkansas state crime laboratory and decrease backlogs, providing improved services for all seventy-five counties of the state of arkansas.