DNA Field Experiment
Axios
Effectiveness

Effective

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Effective

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

A program for investigating property crime incidents through the collection of DNA-based biological evidence. This evidence must be carefully collected, stored, and sent to a crime laboratory for analysis and inclusion in the investigation process.
The stages of DNA processing include:
1) Preliminary testing carried out through the initial examination and preparation of the sample and detection of human blood presence;
2) Generation of a DNA profile, following the extraction of genetic material from the sample;
3) Registration of the DNA profile in the computerized system, CODIS;
4) Case verification, where the sample is confirmed using different databases;
5) Search, in which the police department uses the evidence to locate, arrest, interview, and register a suspect;
6) Post-arrest procedures to confirm a suspect.

Impact evaluations

An impact assessment showed that the use of DNA testing in the property crime investigation process increased the number of suspects identified and arrested, as well as the number of cases accepted for prosecution, compared to traditional investigation [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Roman, J. K., Reid, S., Reid, J., Chalfin, A., Adams, W. & Knight, C. (2008). The DNA Field Experiment: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Use of DNA in the Investigation of High-Volume Crimes (Research Reports). Washington, D.C. Urban Institute. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/222318.pdf

Information source