Abstract: A computer-controlled laser etching probe etches a firearm-identifying indicia such as a barcode encoded serial number into the barrel and breech of a bore of a firearm. Owner registration data coupled with the serial number is stored in a central database. A computer-controlled scanner reads the barcode from a slug or casing or a bullet fired from an etched firearm for comparison with registration data in the central database, thereby identifying the registered owner of the firearm from which the bullet was fired. Crime scene data including GPS data identifying the location of the crime, barcoded slugs or casings, registration data associated with the identified firearm, and the last known residence of the registered owner along with derived data may be used to determine a probability map of the location of a criminal suspect.