Electronic DNA Case Management and Evidence Batch Processing System

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Forensic DNA analysis has become one of the core methodologies used by crime laboratories nationwide and is a remarkably powerful tool used in public safety. Laboratories across the country have seen a marked increase in the number of evidence submissions and requests for DNA results in criminal investigations, and laboratories must address this challenge as well as decreasing case turn-around times, improving efficiency, and managing the increasing complexity of the technology and scientific methods. Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Forensic Science Services Division (OCSD-FSS) met this charge by developing a comprehensive electronic solution to batch process DNA evidence, manage concurrent methods and procedures, provide tracking and quality assurance, interface directly with laboratory instrumentation, automate report creation, and provide delivery of results to law enforcement clients. Facilitated by computerized solution, which was brought online in 2007, the OCSD-FSS DNA scientists processed 40% more cases during that year, and continued to process 12% more cases in 2008 without any additional increase in personnel. Moreover, the DNA case management system has enabled more detailed tracking of individual results, and streamlined the ability of the procedures to adapt to constantly changing technologies including robotics. Supporting 28 forensic DNA examiners, the DNA Case Management System has been in active service for over 18 months and is the core process and coordination system for one of the leading forensic DNA laboratories in California.