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Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA)

In the News: North America

New DNA testing instrument aims to help solve crimes  

What would normally take days or even weeks to analyze DNA crime data is now down to 90 minutes, thanks to new technology that the Arizona Department of Public Safety is using to find investigative leads in a case.

Congress poised to approve $41 million to help clear backlog of untested rape kits

Congress is poised to approve $41 million to examine more than 100,000 pieces of untested DNA evidence collected from rape victims and held by state and local police across the country.

Michigan announces $3M in funding to help test rape kits

The money will be going toward the ongoing effort to DNA test thousands of unprocessed sexual assault evidence kits.

Ohio passes bill aimed at reducing backlog in processing rape kits 

The goal of the bill is to clear the backlog in processing sexual assault rape kits from local law enforcement agencies in one year.

California rape kit testing bill faces opposition from law enforcement organization

The California State Sheriff's Association is coming out strongly against the rape kit bill.

Long-forgotten rape evidence finally reveals its clues in Northern Virginia lab

There is no federal law requiring rape kits to be tested or tracked, and only a handful of states have enacted their own legislation. Staffing and money shortages have contributed to the backlog. Now processing begins.

Ohio releases sexual assault kit testing update

Authorities report on the progress of testing 6,965 previously untested rape kits.

Maryland's DNA database records 3,500th hit

Maryland's DNA database has now resulted in 3,500 hits, highlighting its role as an invaluable tool in the State's success in driving down violent crime and homicide to three decade lows and in achieving the State's goal to reduce violent crime by 20 percent by 2018.

Powerful argument for passing arrestee legislation in Rhode Island: DNA of suspects is solving crimes and saving lives now 

The use of arrestee DNA identification can save lives and keep innocent people out of prison.

Oregon leads Washington in DNA crime testing 

The Oregon State Crime Lab solves property crimes like burglary at a high rate by testing DNA left at crime scenes. Only 20% of the DNA processed in Washington's labs is from burglaries or car prowls, even though they represent 80% of all crimes.

Indiana police use "virtual DNA" to fight theft

A northwestern Indiana police department on Tuesday became one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country to distribute a theft-deterring chemical that leaves DNA-like "signatures" on property and those who attempt to steal it.

In the News: International

Australia: Police are reviewing cold case evidence using a new super-sensitive DNA test 

Detectives say that the new DNA test could help them solve new cases sooner, because the more accurate test lets them rule out the presence of more suspects on a crime scene and focus on the likely perpetrator.

Ireland: Legislation passed to establish DNA database 

The way has been paved for the establishment of a DNA database system to help solve crime in Ireland.

Israel: Police forensic DNA database to be expanded

Israel approved significant expansion of the list of criminal offences for which the police will be allowed to order the suspect to provide a DNA sample to further their investigations.

Pakistan: DNA could be accepted as evidence in rape case

For the first time in Pakistan, an appeal has been made for a DNA test to be admitted as evidence in a rape case.

Australia: New world-class $14.5 million forensic labs for Victoria Police

The the new complex in Victoria, Australia provides the ideal working environment for more than 150 staff including biologists, chemists, researchers and support staff and would facilitate the task of detecting and investigating crime.

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