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.
