At many crime scenes, investigators find only a bullet and a victim. Sadly, many of these crimes remain unsolved, and the criminals continue to take innocent lives. I recently learned of a new technology that, in essence, creates DNA for bullets and helps law enforcement officers solve gun crimes.

Recently, I introduced House Bill 2228 to implement ammunition-coding technology. This technology employs laser etching and imprints a serial code on the back of each bullet. When a bullet is found at a crime scene, the code on the bullet can be read with a simple magnifying glass and run through a statewide database to determine who purchased the ammunition and where, providing a valuable lead.

This is similar to many longtime investigative programs already implemented. For example, when a vehicle is stolen, law enforcement has the license-plate number as a lead. Ammunition-coding technology would provide the same advantage for bullets. But instead of a stolen car, public safety - even lives - could be on the line.

Ammunition-coding technology is not a form of gun registration and would not take away anyone's right to bear arms. Law-abiding citizens could still buy, carry, sell, own and shoot guns as they do now. Coding bullets would help solve and curb gun crime while still allowing Pennsylvania citizens to responsibly carry firearms.

Unlike many other gun-crime technologies, ammunition coding is simple and cost-effective. It does not require ballistics specialists, forensic labs or sophisticated electronics.

If we begin coding bullets, we take a big step toward identifying those who misuse firearms without infringing on responsible gun owners. Ultimately, we make all Pennsylvanians safer.

I encourage you to take this step with me and support House Bill 2228 to implement ammunition-coding technology.

State Rep. John Myers

201st Legislative District
Philadelphia