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Article: Pull the Trigger On Fingerprints.(creation of a bullet signature database)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Newsweek
- Article date:
- October 28, 2002
- Author:
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Byline: Jonathan Alter
Imagine if the Customs Service had a new technology that helped prevent unlawful entry by foreigners into the United States. It wasn't guaranteed to nail every terrorist sneaking in; a few could doctor passports or otherwise game the new system. But once fully implemented, the technology would improve the odds of catching the next Mohamed Atta. Worth trying, right?
That's about where we are right now with "ballistic fingerprinting," except that adoption of this new system for catching criminals is far from a sure thing, thanks to the warped politics of guns. President Bush, not wanting to look insensitive while a sniper stalks the ...