Nelson Joins ATF’s National Crime Gun Intelligence Board

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has joined law enforcement leaders from around the country as the newest member of the Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board, an initiative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Established in 2016, the board uses the collective experience of federal, state, and local experts in the fields of forensics, law enforcement, and criminal law to ensure ATF receives valuable input on national programs related to Crime Gun Intelligence.

ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon said the bureau is pleased Nelson accepted an invitation to join the board, which meets today in Orlando.

“ATF is fully committed to reducing gun violence in our communities across the nation and having representatives from our state and local partners engaged in the process is imperative to our success,” said Brandon. “We thank State Attorney Nelson for her efforts toward making our country and the greater Jacksonville area safer, more protected, and less vulnerable to unnecessary violence.”

Members of the 23-member board serve 3-year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. It meets biannually in different cities across the U.S.

Construction is currently underway on a Crime Gun Intelligence Center housed in the State Attorney’s Office building that will be used by area law enforcement partners to collaboratively and expeditiously investigate gun crimes. Agencies housed at the center will utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, ShotSpotter, and other advanced technologies to more quickly establish investigative leads, identify shooters, and ultimately prosecute those responsible for committing violent gun crimes.

Nelson said she is honored that ATF recognizes the outstanding state and federal partnerships in the Jacksonville area and looks forward to working with the board.

“I am grateful to have been invited as one of the few prosecutors on this board and hope to share and collaborate with others who have experienced success elsewhere,” said Nelson. “With the commitment of our law enforcement partners, the investment of our city leaders, and the State Attorney’s Office commitment to data-driven approaches, this is yet another way that we hope to become a national leader in the use of technology, smart prosecution practices, and enhanced state and federal partnerships in the fight against violent criminals.”