DNA backlogs and delays in receiving DNA results are a common theme across our region. But what if you could identify a suspect in an unsolved case using DNA within minutes—rather than waiting weeks, months, or even years—while the arrestee was safely in police custody? Imagine if we had the ability to proactively collect and process DNA from arrestees, preventing individuals from evading the criminal justice system. We heard from several DNA experts this week discussing just this in the "New York Rapid DNA Webinar", as well as the benefits, challenges, and intricacies of Rapid DNA technology. The key takeaway was that processing DNA at the point of booking, while the suspect is in custody, conserves valuable investigative resources, prevents future crimes, and offers closure for victims and families. This capability is something we could use on our continent.
Here are some considerations when deploying Rapid DNA as an additional resource to traditional FSLs:
Results can be obtained in 90 minutes, using the same technology as traditional analysis but faster.
Suitable for single-source samples only; critical selection of appropriate evidence samples for Rapid is essential.
Initial assessments with mock evidence have shown promising results, despite being less sensitive than traditional casework.
Requires remaining sample for processing through the standard lab workflow using the A and B swab method.
Designed for generating quick investigative leads rather than courtroom use.
Has kinship software, potentially valuable for mass disaster identification pending internal validation.
And here are a few "NOTs" of Rapid DNA:
NOT a replacement for traditional, lab-basedDNA analysis.
NOT advised for complex casework (mixtures, degraded samples, "touch" DNA).
NOT yet challenged for admissibility in court.
To learn more about RAPID DNA you can also visit le.fbi.gov/rapiddna for all approved Rapid DNA systems, booking tools, and comprehensive resources. Updated in April 2024, it offers national booking standards, best practices for law enforcement in non-CODIS applications, and detailed guides. Also see the Rapid DNA Center of Excellence at FIU.
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