Cracking unsolved cases: Hernando County launches rapid DNA technology
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Unsolved cases across the country may be cracked more quickly thanks to rapid DNA technology.
Hernando County is the first in Florida to use rapid DNA technology in its detention center booking unit, marking the first usage of the technology in the new FDLE rapid DNA booking program.
Now, inmates at the Hernando County Jail who are accused of committing serious crimes, are required to submit a DNA sample if they haven't already given one. That DNA will then be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) within 24 hours. The DNA is then searched against all unsolved crimes in CODIS.
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Using a mouth swab, rapid DNA technology develops a DNA profile within 1–2 hours without the need for a DNA laboratory and without any human interpretation.
Rapid DNA test
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the overall goal of the rapid DNA initiative is to immediately get qualified arrestees enrolled in CODIS.
Chris Carney, deputy director of forensic services for FDLE, said the new technology has the potential to change the law enforcement landscape in the state by helping solve crimes faster.
Rapid DNA test
Rapid DNA requires more of a sample size than conventional laboratory processing and it not currently approved for use on crime scene samples.
FDLE is working with the FBI and area sheriff's offices to get more agencies on board with rapid DNA technology.