A discussion on the usefulness of a shared European ballistic image database.

The introduction of electronic systems into the comparison of weapon marks in the mid 1990s caused a revolution in the discipline of "forensic ballistics". Most European states now use this technology to search their national open case files. Globalisation of crime and the loss of effective border controls have made the idea of a unified European ballistic system seem logical. The article critically considers the requirements and possible outcomes of such a system. Based on the experience of forensic practitioners it seems probable that a shared European electronic ballistic system will be of a very limited value at present. Further improvements of existing systems to reach compatibility are encouraged.