Garland Launches Gun Intelligence Center in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – In a bid to crack down on gun violence, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has unveiled the Northeast Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in Cleveland. The center, a joint initiative with state and local law enforcement, aims to leverage technology and collaboration to solve gun crimes and save lives.

Attorney General Garland emphasized the importance of every day in the fight against gun crime. “With this CGIC, it does not matter if a crime is committed in a city, a suburb, or a rural area,” he said. “The law enforcement officers who investigate will have cutting-edge technology at their fingertips and a lineup of experts ready to assist.”

ATF Director Steven Dettelbach praised the collaboration between various agencies. “CGICs like this make homicide cases, stop the next shooting, and help stop crime guns,” he said. “I want to commend the ATF Cleveland leadership and the many law enforcement agencies working together under one roof with a focus on real-time ballistics testing and crime gun tracing.”

The center uses advanced technologies such as ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and eTrace systems to develop and pursue investigative leads swiftly. “Prosecuting and preventing violent crime throughout our district is one core mission of the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “The incredible capabilities of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center – and the federal, state, and local partnerships that make it possible – allow us to connect the dots between crimes so we can prosecute, convict, and lock up the bad actors who commit violent crimes.”

Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCormick highlighted ATF’s ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime. “This CGIC represents both a broadening and deepening of that cooperation,” he stated. The launch of the CGIC marks a significant step forward in the fight against gun violence in Northern Ohio.