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DNA
Analysis and Backlog
Many jurisdictions have backlogs in entering DNA profiles. Due to the crime-solving potential of DNA, states continue to expand the scope of their convicted offender legislation to increase the number of samples collected and analyzed.5 Eliminating the backlog and addressing how sexual assault evidence collection kits will be processed in the future is imperative. According to a recent report from the National Institute of Justice—
As the nation grapples with the discovery of thousands of older sexual assault kits, it is crucial that we balance justice, public safety, and the victims’ needs. The goal is to move beyond the ‘crisis management’ of the moment to the adoption of systematic practices, procedures, and protocols that will prevent this situation from ever happening again.6
The Road Ahead: Unanalyzed Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases Reviews the issue of untested sexual assault evidence stored in evidence collection kits and addresses the ramifications of this for police, crime labs, courts, and victims.
National Forensic DNA Study Report Covers casework backlogs, agency capacity for DNA analysis, CODIS, forensic DNA, crime prevention, cost and benefit questions, and policy implications.
