FPD’s Forensic Unit Earns Compliance in Annual NIBIN Audit
Published on December 09, 2025
Roberto E Bryan Jr.
Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Sgt. A. Caldwell, Police Information Officer
Date: December 9, 2025 Phone: (910) 433- 1487 OCA:
All suspects, and persons charged with a crime, are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Persons of interest are believed to have information relating to a case and have not been charged unless stated otherwise.
FPD’s Forensic Unit Earns Compliance in Annual NIBIN Audit
(Fayetteville, NC)- The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) is proud to announce that its Forensic Unit’s Firearms Section has been found in full compliance with all Minimum Required Operating Standards (MROS) following the 2025 National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) audit.
The review was initiated on November 14, 2025, to evaluate the consistency, integrity, and overall effectiveness of the department’s NIBIN operations supporting gun-crime investigations.
NIBIN is the nation’s only comprehensive ballistic imaging system, enabling the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to help solve and prevent gun-related crimes. FPD remains the only law enforcement agency in North Carolina with two full-time, dedicated NIBIN Technicians—an investment that not only strengthens Fayetteville’s investigative capabilities but also provides mutual aid to nearly 45 partnering agencies across the region.
NIBIN Technician Brittany McLaughlin, a 20-year veteran of the Forensic Unit, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an associate degree in forensic science. She served as an FPD Forensic Technician from 2005–2016 before being promoted to NIBIN Technician, where she became an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-certified NIBIN Authorized Trainer. McLaughlin has been instrumental in advancing the department’s ballistic intelligence program, generating 1,163 confirmed NIBIN leads between 2016 and 2024.
NIBIN Technician Emily Nevitt has served in the Forensic Unit for five years and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in forensic science. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in criminal justice administration and teaches Crime Scene Processing and Crime Scene Photography at Sandhills Community College. Nevitt was promoted to NIBIN Technician in 2025 and has already generated more than 200 confirmed NIBIN leads since taking on the role. Working alongside McLaughlin, she contributes extensive expertise in ballistic imaging and analysis. Both technicians have completed approximately four weeks of rigorous specialized training, underscoring FPD’s commitment to accuracy and efficiency in NIBIN operations.
Firearms Examiner Courtney Matthews, who has served the Forensic Unit for nine years, holds a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in forensics from North Carolina State University. She was cross trained in NIBIN in 2018 and promoted to Firearms Examiner in 2019, where she now focuses on firearm toolmark examinations. By 2024, Matthews had generated more than 400 confirmed NIBIN leads tied to gun-related offenses.
In 2025 alone, the Firearms Section produced 429 investigative leads linked to firearm-related crimes, demonstrating both the demand for NIBIN services and the effectiveness of the unit’s workflow.
On November 26, 2025, after a detailed review, the NIBIN MROS auditing team concluded that the FPD Forensic Unit’s Firearms Section is operating in full compliance with all established standards.
"Achieving full compliance with national standards is a direct reflection of the expertise and dedication brought by our Forensic and NIBIN technicians." said Terri Williams, Fayetteville Police Department Forensic Manager. "In forensics, precision is everything. This audit reaffirms that our Firearms Section isn't just processing evidence but maintaining the highest level of integrity to ensure our detectives—and our partner agencies—have the reliable intelligence they need to solve and close cases."
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty
122nd CALEA Accredited Law Enforcement Agency
467 Hay Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
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