Our Work
Uniquely Positioned for Impact
The NCJA Center for Forensic DNA Policy & Practice serves as the national hub for advancing, assessing, and connecting critical areas of forensic DNA system improvement. This work will advance efforts to maximize the potential of forensic DNA technology nationwide.
The Power of Forensic DNA
Empowering Justice Systems
DNA technology has transformed criminal justice, helping solve crimes, deliver justice for victims, and prevent future harm. It has also raised the bar for forensic evidence and helped reveal the need to reexamine past convictions.
Forensic DNA in the States
Explore the State Map
See how each state legislates the implementation of different forensic DNA technologies.
Learn MoreExplore Our Legislation Database
This database includes federal, state, and local laws, proposed legislation, budget impact statements, and more as jurisdictions implement forensic DNA policies and procedures.
Featured
Lawfully Owed DNA
FL: An Act Requiring DNA Collection From All Current Florida Inmates (HB 533, Ch. 2024-31, 2024)
March 22, 2024
Lawfully Owed DNA
LA: An Act Establishing a CODIS Hit Tracking and Reporting System (SB 320, Acts 2026, No. 488, 2026)
May 29, 2026
Results
Core Database
AS: An Act Clarifying the Registration of Offenders Act (S.B. 28-9, P.L. 28-2, 2003)
August 26, 2026
Why This Work Matters
Few innovations in the criminal justice system have transformed public safety as profoundly as forensic DNA technology, dramatically improving the ability to identify offenders, solve violent crimes, exonerate the innocent, and prevent future victimization. Yet the full potential of DNA remains unrealized because the system is only as strong as its weakest link: when lawfully owed DNA samples are not collected, database hits are not investigated, or databases are too limited, offenders remain free, innocent people may be wrongly suspected, and preventable crimes continue to occur. Emerging technologies such as Rapid DNA and Forensic Genetic Genealogy can help close these gaps, but only if they are thoughtfully implemented and fully integrated into the criminal justice system.
Expanded Collection
New Niskanen Center paper on why states should collect DNA upon felony arrest
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Spotlight Area
Forensic Genetic Genealogy
FGG is law enforcement’s use of DNA analysis, combined with traditional genealogical research, to generate investigative leads for unsolved violent crimes. It uses different analyses, looks at different loci, and queries different databases than the legislated databases used in the CODIS system
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Spotlight Area
About Forensic DNA
Forensic DNA is the use of DNA analysis in law enforcement investigations to identify individuals or determine biological relationships. It allows investigators to compare genetic material found at a crime scene with DNA from suspects, victims, or databases.
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Upcoming Events
September 10 – September 11, 2026
National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA) 2026 Forensic Evidence Conference
NDAA
October 24 – October 27, 2026
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition 2026
IACP
October 26 – October 29, 2026
ISHI 2026 – 37th International Symposium on Human Identification
Promega/ISHI