NCJ Number
189230
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 20-22,24
Date Published
June 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how various technologies have enhanced the collection of evidence.
Abstract
The implementation of DNA analysis in public labs across the country has had a significant positive impact on the ability of crime labs to analyze such evidence. In 1994 Congress enacted the DNA Identification Act, which set money aside to support the development of DNA testing in public labs. Jay Henry, the quality assurance manager at the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services, speculates that the next important area in forensics will be the accreditation of crime laboratories. The American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board handles the accreditation process. In addition, database technology has focused on the inputting and matching of found evidence against an existing collection of like evidence. Another area of technology that is fast expanding is the use of hair testing for drug and alcohol use. This is being done routinely in the court system and is also used for probation and parole as well as employee screening and prescreening. Possibilities for the future include the use of a fluorescent light in ambient light to enable investigators to find fingerprints and blood spatter, as well as DNA sampling at the crime scene.