NCJ Number
191150
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 26 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 6-17
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton
Date Published
August 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A survey of State correctional systems received responses from 44 systems regarding their use of DNA testing.
Abstract
All but three systems reported that they conducted DNA testing; one of the remaining States was in the latter stages of developing a testing system. Only five systems indicated that their annual budgets included a category specifically for internal DNA testing. The remainder of the systems dealt with outside sources, including State crime laboratories, State police, or other sections within the departments. Several systems reported that testing required an increase in staff to accomplish required results. The minimum educational level acceptable for conducting tests was usually a bachelor’s degree in various science training. Nine systems used laboratories accredited by a recognized forensic organization. Results usually went to databases maintained by the laboratories, with access to the information limited to certain authorized individuals or agencies. Ninety-one percent of the systems collected samples from sex offenders. Eighty percent of the reporting systems tested offenders incarcerated for violent crimes. The systems varied in their responses regarding situations in which test results led to legal actions; nevertheless testing has led to convictions that otherwise would not have occurred. Tables