In This Issue

Events

In the News: International

Articles of Interest

Quick Links

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About Us

STACS DNA delivers the only sample management software designed specifically for forensic DNA labs. Since 2000, we've helped DNA database and casework labs accelerate throughput, prevent errors, cut costs, improve data quality and meet accreditation standards.

The FBI, RCMP, U.S. Army and DNA labs of all sizes rely on STACS DNA.

Why are we called STACS DNA? "Sample Tracking and Control Systems" for DNA - What we do is in our name!

What's New?

Check out the new video Maximizing Productivity in DNA Labs: Accreditation. It covers best practices in Standard Operating Procedures, documentation, reporting and audits.

This is the fifth and final video in our series "Maximizing Productivity in DNA Labs". The series is available here.

Did You Know?

How valuable would it be if someone at your bench prevented you from making a mistake that would waste precious time and consumables, not to mention irreplaceable samples?

Here are just three of many ways that STACS helps you reduce errors in your DNA lab. STACS software prevents you from:

using expired consumables
using an instrument that requires maintenance
making transcription errors by using bar code scanners
making data entry errors by integrating systems to reduce typing

These process Controls are built-into STACS software - that's "C" in the STACS "Sample Tracking and Control Systems".

To learn more, watch the video "Maximizing Productivity in DNA Labs: Sample Processing."

Events

Come see us at:

International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI)

September 29-October 2, 2014

Phoenix, AZ

In the News: North America

$41 million to help reduce rape kit backlog

About $41 million has been earmarked to help expedite the nationwide processing of rape kits, which preserve evidence of sexual assault.

Illinois OKs DNA tests for defendants who plead guilty

A new state law gives defendants who plead guilty a chance to use DNA evidence to clear their name if the evidence were not available during trial.

Ohio leads the way on breaking through the rape kit backlog

In 2011, the Attorney General recommended that all old evidence collection kits be tested. The results have been stunning.

Processing the rape kit backlog, and giving survivors back dignity

The Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed legislation and funding in the 2014 session to conduct an inventory of the state's backlog of rape kits and begin processing them - and begin restoring dignity to rape survivors.

Brianna's Law, or DNA testing for felony arrests, begins in Nevada

The bill, named after Reno murder victim Brianna Denison, requires law enforcement officers to take a DNA swab test for all felony arrests.

New Mississippi state DNA law could help wrongly convicted

DNA collections from individuals arrested for violent crime could help solve crime and it could exonerate those wrongly convicted.

New law: Iowa to expand DNA collection from criminals

The implementation of the law that calls for collecting DNA samples from people convicted of aggravated misdemeanors has reignited a debate over how to maintain the proper balance between community safety and constitutional freedoms.

Rhode Island passes violent crime arrestee law

The RI governor signs bill into law that would require a DNA sample to be collected from anyone arrested for a violent crime.

Vermont court: No DNA collection until conviction

The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that the state can't collect DNA from suspects in criminal cases unless they have been convicted of a felony.

Law enforcement agencies finally find second solution for faster DNA testing

DNA testing in Burlington, NC to solve break-ins and property crimes can finally go ahead.

New North Louisiana Forensic Science Center rapidly rising

New facility will house multiple forensics disciplines under one roof.

Calgary police chief presses case for DNA lab

Calgary's police chief says an in-house DNA lab would cut down the turnaround time for results, allow investigators to use the technology for a wider range of crimes, and help identify perpetrators more quickly before they can commit further crimes.

WVU establishes Department of Forensic and Investigative Science

Recognizing the growth during the past 20 years of forensic and investigative sciences as a career path, West Virginia University, long a national leader in the field, has established the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science.

New State Police Forensics Lab Director appointed

Maryland State Police announced a veteran forensic scientist with a broad range of expertise including DNA technology has been appointed as the new crime laboratory director.

NIST names OSAC Resource Committees

As part of its efforts to improve the scientific basis of forensic evidence used in courts of law, NIST and DOJ have made the first appointments to a new organization dedicated to identifying and fostering development and adoption of standards and guidelines for the nation's forensic science community.

In the News: International

Questions raised over DNA evidence to secure murder convictions in Australia

A High Court ruling that DNA evidence was not enough to convict a man of murder cold have wider implications on DNA convictions across Australia, an Adelaide lawyer has said.

Renowned UK DNA pioneer Peter Gill adds voice to Amanda Knox case

Dr. Peter Gill has taken on the task of analyzing the disputed DNA evidence in the Meredith Kercher murder case, providing is expert opinion in his new booth titled "Misleading DNA evidence: reasons for miscarriages of justice."

DNA hunt in MH17 victim identification

Police in Indonesia are collecting DNA samples from relatives of those killed in the Malaysia Airlines tragedy.

David Cameron in talks with EU leaders over international DNA database

Ministers pledge to compensate Brussels if Britain pulls out as part of decisions over Europe-wide policing measures.

DNA tests for all Trinidad and Tobego law enforcement officers, deportees

The government makes no apologies whatsoever for taking the position that all deportees, all law enforcement officers and all private security officers must be subjected to mandatory DNA testing.

UK appoints new Forensic Science Regulator

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.

Rwanda forensic lab a step forward

The government will launch a Rwf6 billion (US$52M) forensics laboratory fully equipped with all the modern crime lab technology.

Articles of Interest

Complex DNA Mixtures
NIST Corner via Evidence Technology Magazine

One of the world's top forensic biologists, Dr. Peter Gill, once remarked in a presentation on DNA mixture interpretation, "If you give ten colleagues a mixture, you will probably get ten different answers." DNA mixture interpretation is one of the greatest challenges facing the forensic DNA field.

Is your drying of DNA evidence up to par?

The integrity of the DNA evidence is dependent on the proper handling and processing of biological material.

The How, When, and What for a meaningful Lab Safety Audit

Forensic Magazine

Good forensic lab managers know why we should conduct periodic laboratory safety audits or inspections. But, do you give much thought to how they should be done? Or, when is the best time? Or, what you should be looking for? This Safety Guy's column will answer all these questions and step you through a meaningful laboratory safety survey. Our intent is to stimulate you to set up and implement a successful program.

Strengthening forensic science by example

The true leaders will be the ones whose behavior serves as a model for others.

Lab Manager Academy: Stop Fixing People

Lab Manager Magazine

What to do when your brilliant ideas aren't helping.