The DNA Field Experiment

Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice funded a study, the DNA Field Experiment (http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/222318.pdf), in which the efficacy of DNA testing in investigating forensics cases, specifically in property crimes, was studied. In the study, it was cited that the main findings were:

• Property crime cases where DNA evidence is processed have more than twice as many suspects identified, twice as many suspects arrested, and more than twice as many cases accepted for prosecution compared with traditional investigation;

• DNA is at least five times as likely to result in a suspect identification compared with fingerprints;

• Suspects identified by DNA had at least twice as many prior felony arrests and convictions as those identified by traditional investigation;

• Blood evidence results in better case outcomes than other biological evidence, particularly evidence from items that were handled or touched;

• Biological material collected by forensic technicians is no more likely to result in a suspect being identified than biological material collected by patrol officers."

Per the Winter 2009 issue of TechBeat, last week, www.policeone.com reported that the state of South Carolina is experiencing the effectiveness of DNA forensics in the investigation of property crimes, as was indicated in the study. However, the state has had limited accessibility to DNA testing facilities due to overwhelming back logs at state labs. The National Institute of Justice along with the National Law Enforcement and Correctional Technology Center (NLECTC) has established a program to facilitate the collection and testing of DNA samples for property crimes. Collection and testing of DNA samples in crimes of violence are given priority, however, this program is designed to determine whether resources should be devoted to property crime DNA.

The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.