NEWARK, N.J. — Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., Chief of Police Sharonda Morris, and Captain John Patela of the Ballistics Lab and Crime Scene Division were honored Tuesday for the Newark Police Ballistics Laboratory’s 6,000th confirmed match in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
The recognition was presented by ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., acknowledging Newark’s continued leadership in using ballistic technology to solve violent crimes.
Director Miranda said the milestone underscores the department’s dedication to precision and collaboration across law enforcement agencies.
Key Points
- Newark Police Ballistics Lab marks 6,000th confirmed NIBIN hit
- ATF ranks Newark’s lab 5th out of 418 nationwide
- NIBIN helps link firearms evidence to violent crimes across jurisdictions
National program ties local cases to broader investigations
NIBIN, managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, connects ballistic evidence from shooting scenes and recovered firearms to determine if multiple crimes are linked to the same weapon. A “hit” occurs when two or more ballistic samples are confirmed as matches by firearms examiners.
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Newark lab among nation’s best
According to a recent ATF audit, Newark’s Ballistics Laboratory ranks fifth among more than 400 labs nationwide for performance and compliance with national standards. The lab’s findings have helped local detectives and federal partners—including ATF, DEA, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office—identify and prosecute violent offenders across city and state lines.
Leadership credits teamwork and precision
Captain Patela and his team were commended for their “meticulous and tireless work” in linking evidence to investigations. Chief Morris said the lab’s efforts have been instrumental in solving gun-related crimes and reducing violence throughout Newark.
Director Miranda called the recognition “a tremendous milestone,” adding that it reflects Newark’s standing as one of the country’s top-performing law enforcement agencies in the use of ballistic forensics.
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