In recent developments, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is deploying new technology to help law enforcement combat violence in Rochester, NY. This new system has the ability to match shell casings found by investigators and link them to other gun crimes within minutes. According to Monroe Crime Analysis Center Director David Phelps, the new software will provide valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies in Monroe County and beyond.
The advanced technology will allow them to link a single gun to multiple shooting incidents, even in cases where the gun itself has not been found. Michael Curran, resident agent in charge of the ATF’s Rochester field office, emphasized the importance of the new equipment’s speed in solving gun crimes. He believes the rapid turnaround time of this technology can potentially save lives and significantly speed up the investigative process.
The partnership between ATF and local law enforcement agencies in Rochester has been described as a model for what the agency hopes to achieve in every community across New York State. Curran expressed ATF’s commitment to using their weapons intelligence strategy and highlighted the success of their collaboration in Rochester. It aims to expand this level of partnership and effectiveness to other regions of the state to benefit communities and improve public safety.