NCJ Number
128937
Journal
Crime Laboratory Digest Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 1-14
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines the outlook for forensic DNA testing in the United States over the next several years.
Abstract
Most of the data supporting the findings on current practice and future prospects for DNA analysis came from a telephone survey of crime laboratory directors conducted by the FBI Laboratory during June 1990. This survey explored the current status of and plans for DNA testing by State and local crime laboratories. The law enforcement and forensic science communities are moving quickly to adopt and implement forensic DNA testing to help investigate and prosecute sex-related and other violent crimes. Four-fifths of all crime laboratories have experience with DNA testing, either by performing the analysis themselves or sending DNA evidence to an outside laboratory. Over half of all State and local crime laboratories expect to be performing DNA testing before 1995. The FBI Laboratory is perceived to have a prominent role in fostering the use of DNA analysis in forensic casework. The FBI Laboratory is helping to establish guidelines for quality assurance of DNA test results that will allow DNA profiles to be exchanged through a national DNA database system. 12 tables and 1 reference