tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552645988698703895.post5001235779957155986..comments2023-10-14T13:05:47.575+02:00Comments on Gun debate critic: Another triple murderer that won't face trial.Michael Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01253660718647835313noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552645988698703895.post-21944435695873318162007-10-13T22:57:00.000+02:002007-10-13T22:57:00.000+02:00Hello Gun debate critic,I am Todd Lizotte, the co-...Hello Gun debate critic,<BR/><BR/>I am Todd Lizotte, the co-inventor of microstamping.<BR/><BR/>I do believe microstamping can help, however I will admit, I am bias to some degree, my point though is how law enoforcement uses information to target handgun trafficking networks.<BR/><BR/>I also understand when technology ends and where usefulness needs to be determined and justified by people who will actually use it in real life.<BR/><BR/>Approximately ten years ago, we began to discuss how microsstamping could be used, with forensic professionals. <BR/><BR/>However between 2001 / 2002 timeframe we began to get serious feedback on its usefulness as an investigative tool.<BR/><BR/>The FBI and ATF have developed ways of analyzing certain criminal enterprises by the patterns they form when they engage in criminal behavior. The critical element to defining these patterns and analyzing them is good INTEL or “real-time” data.<BR/><BR/>This has become even more important with the formation of homeland security. Now new tools are being adapted from military methods of INTEL analysis, such as link analysis and social network analysis. By overlaying INTEL data from firearms trafficking to known networks of gangs, gang associates and known drug trafficking networks a complete picture is developed. Of course these maps or links are only as good as the INTEL, i.e. fresh information.<BR/><BR/>The FBI states that through their work, criminal enterprises or gangs are creatures of habit, and they often establish specific patterns in their activities. For firearm trafficking, this means they might prefer a certain type of straw purchaser, a specific source location or licensee, or a favorite method of distribution. Such patterns can be found through analysis of data; the problem is the current data is acquired when the firearm is recovered, instead of when the firearm is first used. The key once again is faster INTEL. <BR/><BR/>Law enforcement is now dealing with a migration pattern of gangs and other criminal enterprises and this network is now stretching farther across the country.<BR/><BR/>If microstamping data can be gathered at the instant the firearm is used in a crime, the greater chance for better linking and mapping through this type of analysis.<BR/><BR/>Firearm trafficking becomes vulnerable to these new techniques, link analysis and social network analysis, when an analysis of the data can form into patterns within a narrower window of time.<BR/><BR/>So, when trying to find unique ways of getting law enforcement the information they need to combat trafficking, while maintaining the rights of law abiding gun owners, it seems possible, microstamping will strike that balance. <BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/>ToddMicrostamphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05067709627178017556noreply@blogger.com