Forensic DNA Case Management Expansion & Improvement Project

About the Program

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

Year: 2012

Forensic DNA analysis has become viewed as a “gold standard” used by crime laboratories nationwide and is a remarkably powerful tool used in public safety. Forensic laboratories across the country have seen a marked increase in the number of evidence submissions and requests for DNA results in criminal investigations even though crime rates are dropping. Furthermore, crime labs must also address case turn-around times that meet the needs of the criminal justice system and the public. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Scientific Services Bureau (LASD-SSB) successfully met this charge by embarking on a comprehensive internal review and initiating major changes to case workflow to process DNA evidence in batches that includes automation and robotics. Moreover, the LASD-SSB simultaneously expanded DNA testing services to include processing DNA evidence on property crimes, such as residential and commercial burglaries. Comparing 2011 to 2009 data, the LASD-SSB processed 75% more DNA samples and decreased processing time by 56% while achieving a 74% hit rate on unsolved property crime cases using DNA. The LASD-SSB DNA Case Management Expansion and Improvement Project has enabled more cases to be completed, now including property crimes, and returned cases quicker to law enforcement to enhance public safety needs.