Combined Ballistic Identification System
Rule 18: CoBIS Rules
18.6 Responsibilities of the Division of State Police (9 NYCRR 493.6)
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On and after January 1, 2001, the New York State Police will operate an automated electronic databank containing pertinent data and other ballistic information relevant to the identification of shell casings, and the pistols and revolvers from which they were discharged, for all new pistols and revolvers delivered to a dealer in firearms on or after March 1, 2001.
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On and after January 1, 2001, the New York State Police will operate a minimum of six regional CoBIS centers, which shall provide services to dealers in firearms for the collection of ballistic samples as required by Section 396-ff of the New York State General Business Law.
18.7 Operation of Regional CoBIS Centers (9 NYCRR 493.7)
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Regional CoBIS Centers shall be maintained and operated at the following locations and other permanent or temporary locations deemed appropriate by the Superintendent of the New York State Police.
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Hours of Operation
Regional CoBIS centers shall operate between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, except on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
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Scheduling Appointments
Dealers shall contact a regional CoBIS center to arrange an appointment prior to collection of any ballistic sample. The regional CoBIS staff may limit the number of firearms to be processed to ensure that all dealers receive equal access.
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Upon arrival at a regional CoBIS center, dealers shall:
- Transfer all firearms to CoBIS personnel in a safe and unloaded condition. All
firearms must be operable and include any magazine, ammunition feeding device or
other parts required for safe operation;
AND - Provide two (2) rounds of reduced lead ammunition for each firearm in the appropriate
caliber. All ammunition must be certified by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers'
Institute (SAAMI),
OR - Provide two (2) rounds of ammunition with standard primers and full metal jacketed
(FMJ) or total metal jacketed (TMJ) projectiles for each firearm for which reduced
lead ammunition is not commercially available in the appropriate caliber. All ammunition
must be certified by SAAMI;
AND - Return to the regional CoBIS center at a predetermined time to retrieve the firearm(s) and certificate(s) of Compliance. Dealers will not be allowed into the ballistic sample collection area.
- Transfer all firearms to CoBIS personnel in a safe and unloaded condition. All
firearms must be operable and include any magazine, ammunition feeding device or
other parts required for safe operation;
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Issuance of Certificates of Compliance
After a pistol or revolver is transferred to a member of the CoBIS staff it will be test fired, the ballistic sample will be collected, and the collection will be recorded in a computer system.
Upon completion of this process the firearm will be returned to the submitting dealer, who will be provided with a Certificate of Compliance certifying that a ballistic sample has been secured at the CoBIS center. The ballistic sample will be forwarded to CoBIS Headquarters and will not be returned to the dealer.
Authority: General Business Law § 396-ff.