What is RIBIN?

Concerns have been expressed about the quantum of illegal firearms and ammunition present in the various Member States that are influencing violent crimes. With this in mind, CARICOM is seeking to enable law enforcement agencies to target ‘crime guns’ and discover links between crimes more quickly.

As a result, The Council of Ministers Responsible for National Security and Law Enforcement has approved the implementation of the Regional Integrated Ballistic Information Network (RIBIN).

The RIBIN Concept

RIBIN would encourage information-sharing and support among law enforcement, border and customs control agencies, with a view to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons across borders.

Using specialized computer hardware and software combinations, digital images of bullets and cartridge casings would be captured, stored and rapidly compared. This would replace traditional firearms identification which involves visual comparisons of the ballistic signature of a bullet or casing. RIBIN would also facilitate both regional and international networking and allow the linking of various crime scenes.