Advances In Dna Testing Give Detectives New Tools
Forensic DNA technology is pushing the envelope of crime scene investigations, and helping law enforcement officials apprehend criminals who would otherwise go free.
DNA scientists are developing ways to test evidence that was once considered damaged and useless, and are creating devices that analyze data faster, allowing police to identify and capture suspects more quickly.
Many developers of newer, faster DNA technology envision handheld devices that would allow police to test DNA evidence at the crime scene, and identify previous visitors to the area.
Even if a criminal is not listed in the police DNA database, experts can still determine characteristics such as race, eye color, and hair color.
Some DNA scientists want to use robotics that will analyze DNA samples and then create graphics on the data, jobs which are done manually today.
Scientists in the field credit the Human Genome Project and increasing pressure for government to financially support efforts to fight crime, as encouraging a surge of interest in DNA technology.
One hurdle in the new advances is that there can be too much DNA information, sometimes identifying thousands of individuals, including police officers, making it hard to isolate the perpetrator’s DNA.
Some law enforcement officials do not support mobile testing technology, emphasizing that testing should be done in a lab environment to ensure accurate results.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Baltimore Sun (06/02/03) P. 1A; Sullivan, Laura.