NCJ Number
250552
Date Published
May 2017
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report highlights how the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) - the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice - invested the $117,000,000 it appropriated in fiscal year 2016 for DNA analysis, capacity enhancement, and other forensic activities, as well as the impact of these investments on the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Approximately 65 percent of the funding went directly to forensic science laboratories and law enforcement agencies for the processing, recording, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples. This investment increased the capacity of forensic laboratories and reduced the backlog of evidence samples awaiting DNA analysis. Eight percent of the funding supported technical assistance that promoted the use of DNA and other forensic sciences in the criminal justice system. Twenty-four percent of the funding was for projects that included the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence. Due to these NIJ investments, the capacity in forensic science laboratories is continuing to increase; and innovative technologies are enabling law enforcement agencies to solve cold cases, reunite missing persons with their families, identify previously unidentified decedents, and assist in exonerating wrongfully convicted persons. These investment have also led to more cost-efficient, accurate, and reliable forensic techniques, thus improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public safety efforts. 3 figures, 1 table, and 23 notes