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Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA

NCJ Number
308006
Date Published
November 2023
Length
1 page
Annotation

This fact sheet published by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) summarizes information about the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program.

Abstract

In this fact sheet, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides a brief overview on Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program, which provides funding to support agencies in the resolution of violent cold case crimes. The Program objectives include prosecution of cold cases involving violent crime where suspects have been identified through DNA evidence and decreasing the number of unresolved violent crime cold cases awaiting prosecution. The publication lists a number of program accomplishments, including the uploading of multiple suspect profiles uploaded to Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS/AFIS); identification of previously unknown suspects; many resolved/closed cold cases; and a number of charges, indictments, and convictions. Participation in the program requires that a prosecutorial body be a fully engaged project partner; that the suspects’ DNA profiles have already been generated (can be known or unknown suspects); and that utilization of Forensic Genetic Genealogy follow the “DOJ Interim Policy Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching.”