BJA FY24 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center IntegrationInitiative

The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) proposes to expand its current Crime Gun Intelligence Center’s (CGIC) effectiveness and efficiency through increasing the use of and capabilities in forensic analysis technology and digital evidence collection, extending partnerships in CGIC with other law enforcement entities, and provide advanced training for investigators.  Since its formation in 2019, the TPD has seen a 163 percent increase in National Integrated Ballistic Information Network  leads, with a slight increase in assaults with a firearm. Calls for service related to shootings show elevated levels since 2021. With the current number of Crime Gun Unit (CGU) Investigators, the need for them to more effectively and efficiently build investigations for prosecution is evident.

The primary activities include increasing cellular forensics data processing and extraction that will unlock and decrypt digital devices to maximize evidentiary data collection. To increase data processing and analysis, the TPD proposes to purchase software that can ingest data collected from multiple sources to gain intelligence, identify suspects, and link suspects to crimes or other criminals. Next, the CGU can deploy license plate readers and surveillance equipment in hotspots or known areas of interest to generate leads or definitively tie a suspect to location during the crime. To bolster effectiveness, the CGU and cellular forensic investigators will attend advanced training, while training another forensic investigator, to enhance investigative skills and increase efficiency. Finally, a CGU sergeant will partner with an ATF analyst to track arrests and convictions, while the TPD extends partnerships in CGIC to gain “buy in” across the Tulsa metro region and assist in effective prosecutions.