Crime Subcommittee to Examine the Rapid DNA Act
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a legislativehearing on the Rapid DNA Act (H.R. 320). This bill, authored by Crime Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), updates current law to establish a system for the integration of Rapid DNA technology. Rapid DNA expedites DNA analysis for suspect identification purposes only so that it can be done in 90 minutes at booking stations rather than have to wait for weeks for a state accredited lab to run the DNA tests.
Unfortunately, current law does not allow for the use of Rapid DNA technology since only state labs are allowed access to the database for analyzing and communicating DNA data, which is known as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Consequently, booking stations across the United States currently have to send their DNA samples off to state labs and wait weeks for the results. This has created a backlog that impacts all crime investigations using forensics, not just forensics used for identification purposes.
At this week’s hearing, members of the Crime Subcommittee will analyze the Rapid DNA Act, discussing the technology, the use of the technology in a law enforcement setting, and how best to legislate in this area so that law enforcement has the tools needed to efficiently and accurately prosecute crimes.
Witnesses for this hearing are:
- Ms. Amy Hess, Executive Assistant of Science and Technology, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Ms. Jody Wolf, Assistant Crime Laboratory Administrator, Phoenix Police Department Crime Laboratory, President, American Society of Criminal Laboratory Directors
- Ms. Natasha S. Alexenko, Founder, Natasha’s Justice Project
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) issued the statements below on this legislative hearing.
Chairman Goodlatte: “While once taking days or weeks, DNA testing can now be completed in a matter of hours. However, a decades-old law prevents the use of Rapid DNA technology in many circumstances, which has created a growing backlog. This week, the Crime Subcommittee will examine legislation that amends current law to allow booking stations to use Rapid DNA technology to quickly identify violent suspects and free the innocent.”
Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner: “Current law preventing the use of Rapid DNA technology has plagued our criminal justice system with backlogs. Rapid DNA technology has the capability to revolutionize forensic science, allowing for DNA processing in 90 minutes or less. This week’s hearing will examine how this valuable tool can help law enforcement expeditiously identify dangerous criminals. If implemented, Rapid DNA technology has the potential to make our communities safer, save taxpayer dollars and ensure justice for the innocent.”
This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at /.