Ballistic Imaging assesses the state of computer-based imaging technology in forensic firearms identification. The book evaluates the current law enforcement database of images of crime-related cartridge cases and bullets and recommends ways to improve the usefulness of the technology for suggesting leads in criminal investigations. It also advises against the construction of a national reference database that would include images from test-fires of every newly manufactured or imported firearm in the United States. The book also suggests further research on an alternate method for generating an investigative lead to the location where a gun was first sold: "microstamping," the direct imprinting of unique identifiers on firearm parts or ammunition. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary PART I: Context for Ballistic Imaging Analysis, 1 Introduction 2 Firearms and Ammunition: Physics, Manufacturing, and Sources of Variability 3 Firearms Identification and the Use of Ballistics Evidence PART II: Current Ballistic Imaging and Databases, 4 Current Ballistic Imaging Technology 5 Current Ballistic Image Databases: NIBIN and the State Reference Databases 6 Operational and Technical Enhancements to NIBIN 7 Three-Dimensional Measurement and Ballistic Imaging PART III: Implications for a National Reference Ballistic Image Database, 8 Experimental Evidence on Sources of Variability and Imaging Standards 9 Feasibility of a National Reference Ballistic Image Database PART IV: Future Directions, 10 Microstamping: Alternative Technology for Tracing to Point of Sale 11 Best Standards for Future Developments in Computer-Assisted Firearms Identification References Appendix A: Gun Enforcement and Ballistic Imaging Technology in Boston--Anthony A. Braga Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff

This report expands on the work of an earlier National Research Council panel whose report, Understanding Violence Against Women, was published in 1996. The report is based on the presentations and deliberations of a workshop convened in January 2002, at the request of Congress, to develop a detailed research agenda on violence against women. While some of the research recommendations in the earlier report have been funded and carried out, the workshop demonstrated that important gaps remain. For example, prevalence and incidence data are still inadequate to measure trends or to reveal whether interventions being designed under federal programs are, in fact, working. Among its primary recommendations, the committee underscored the importance of strengthening the data and research infrastructure in this area, especially the need for better prevalence data and longitudinal data to determine the causes of violent victimization of women and the impact of interventions. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Nature and Scope of Violence Against Women 3 Social Ecological Risks of Violence Against Women 4 Prevention and Deterrence 5 Identifying and Treating Offenders 6 The Future of Research on Violence Against Women: Final Thoughts References Appendix A: Biographical Sketches Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Commissioned Papers

How should the war on drugs be fought? Everyone seems to agree that the United States ought to use a combination of several different approaches to combat the destructive effects of illegal drug use. Yet there is a remarkable paucity of data and research information that policy makers require if they are to create a useful, realistic policy package-details about drug use, drug market economics, and perhaps most importantly the impact of drug enforcement activities. Informing America's Policy on Illegal Drugs recommends ways to close these gaps in our understanding-by obtaining the necessary data on drug prices and consumption (quantity in addition to frequency); upgrading federal management of drug statistics; and improving our evaluation of prevention, interdiction, enforcement, and treatment efforts. The committee reviews what we do and do not know about illegal drugs and how data are assembled and used by federal agencies. The book explores the data and research information needed to support strong drug policy analysis, describes the best methods to use, explains how to avoid misleading conclusions, and outlines strategies for increasing access to data. Informing America's Policy on Illegal Drugs also discusses how researchers can incorporate randomization into studies of drug treatment and how state and local agencies can compare alternative approaches to drug enforcement. Charting a course toward a better-informed illegal drugs policy, this book will be important to federal and state policy makers, regulators, researchers, program administrators, enforcement officials, journalists, and advocates concerned about illegal drug use. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Determinants and Consequences of Drug Use 3 Data Needs for Monitoring Drug Problems 4 Drug Data Organization 5 Supply-Reduction Policy 6 Sanctions against Users of Illegal Drugs 7 Preventing Drug Use 8 Treatment of Drug Users 9 Final Thoughts: Unfinished Business Appendix A: Characteristics of STRIDE Cocaine Data Appendix B: Data Sources Appendix C: Phase I Report Executive Summary Appendix D: How Do Response Problems Affect Survey Measurement of Trends in Drug Use? Appendix E: Linking Treatment to Punishment: An Evaluation of Drug Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Appendix F: Biographical Sketches Index