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Extending the Time to Collect DNA in Sexual Assault Cases

NCJ Number
233285
Journal
NIJ Journal Issue: 267 Dated: Winter 2010 Pages: 22-27
Author(s)
Date Published
March 2011
Length
6 pages
Publication Series
Annotation
This article examines a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study of Y-STR DNA profiling that offers hope in extending the time to collect DNA in sexual assault cases.
Abstract
Using the current standard DNA profiling method, many jurisdictions require the collection of evidentiary samples within 3 days of the sexual assault. However, a pilot study, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) examined the ability of extending this window of time for collecting evidence with Y-STR DNA profiling. The research team was able to obtain complete Y-STR profiles on samples collected as many as 5 days after coitus and a partial profile at 6 days. However, the study involved only three consenting male-female couples. A new NIJ funded study will include 150 consenting male-female couples. The large study will expand knowledge about the limits of DNA profiling in sexual assault cases. 3 notes and 1 figure

Date Published: March 1, 2011