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In the News: International

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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!

Michigan State Police Chooses More Software from STACS DNA

MSP, which has been using STACS-DB Enterprise since 2006, has selected STACS-CW Enterprise for screening and processing DNA samples in its seven forensic science labs. Once implemented, the MSP will track both casework and database DNA samples using software from STACS DNA.

In the MSP Forensic Science Division, DNA analysts currently use PDF worksheets to document their sample processing. Every time an analyst moves from one worksheet to the next, the sample data, reagent lot numbers, expiration dates and other essential data must be retyped. STACS-CW will automate this data capture, which is expected to increase efficiency, ensure more complete and uniform documentation, and simplify the review process.

The MSP Forensic Science Division is working to reduce backlogs and achieve an average case turnaround time of 30 days. The Michigan Public Safety Dashboard is tracking the average number of days for processing forensic tests related to criminal investigations. STACS software will help lab management track and measure their progress toward meeting this goal.

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Events

Come see us at:

International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) September 29-October 2, 2014

Phoenix, AZ

Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS)

October 7-10, 2014

St. Paul, MN

California Association of Crime Lab Directors (CACLD)

October 20-21, 2014

Santa Rosa, CA

Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists (NWAFS)

October 20-24, 2014

Rohnert Park, CA

In the News: North America

Rape kit backlog legislation passes Congress

The U.S. Senate renewed the Debbie Smith Act, which has increased the use of DNA and helped solve thousands of open rape cases. The five-year extension is now headed to the president to be signed into law.

First federal unit set up to correct wrongful convictions

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington has set up the first federal unit to identify and investigate cases that ended in wrongful convictions.

NIJ seeks proposals from forensic labs for research to improve physical evidence analysis accuracy, timeliness

The goal is to identify the most efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective existing methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes.

First state-wide deployment of the RapidHIT System for real-time matching of DNA profiles at Arizona DPS

The Arizona rapid DNA system can provide officers with investigative leads faster than ever before.

Washington Supreme Court sets standard for post-conviction DNA testing

In a 6-to-3 ruling, the high court said inmates don't have to show they're likely innocent in order to win a post-conviction DNA test.

California lawmakers approve bill requiring timely reports of evidence for unanalyzed rape kits

The bill sets time limits and prompts California to join a growing number of states addressing their rape kit backlogs.

Victims advocate renews push for DNA law in Minnesota

Lawmakers have been asked to re-pass the DNA sample collection statute in 2015; national grants could help defray training and equipment costs.

Indictments ready on 22 Memphis rape cases, part of city's backlog of untested sexual assault kits

Indictment numbers expected to grow, police chief reports during monthly update on the sexual assault kit backlog.

Sexual assault evidence will be stored in state crime lab in Madison, Wisconsin

The new process for reporting sexual assaults and storing evidence centrally will help calm victims and may help authorities to catch the perpetrators eventually.

Forensic science standards effort takes shape as NIST appoints nearly 70 scientific area committees members

NIST named nearly 70 new members to the

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), which is seeking to strengthen forensic science through the identification and development of standards and guidelines.

The waiting game, backlog at Kentucky State Crime Lab

State crime lab backlog causes frustration.

NIST is looking to give $20 million to fund a new forensic science research center

NIST announced a competition for money to build the center, which will work on establishing "a firm scientific foundation" for key methods in the sciences. Applications are due Dec. 11.

In the News: International

Criminals could appeal after Home Office admits potentially misleading DNA evidence presented to juries

UK forensic expert Peter Gill, who raised the issue with the Home Office in April said the recognition that subjective interpretations of DNA evidence were potentially biased and unscientific and could lead to a number of appeals.

Questions raised over DNA evidence to secure murder convictions

A High Court ruling that DNA evidence was not enough to convict a man of murder could have wider implications on DNA convictions across Australia

Bangladesh Parliament passes DNA bill

With the enactment of the law, the DNA test process will be brought under a legal framework as the country's existing laws do not have the provision for DNA profiling.

Oman to create DNA database of criminals

A DNA database would help improve police

investigations and prosecutions and solve cold cases.

Bill stuck so cannot create DNA data bank in India

Privacy concerns and lack of trained personnel delay legislation.

Experts identifying Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 victims find DNA samples from 283 people, 173 positive IDs

Forensic experts may identify more DNA samples using more sensitive equipment or new samples.

How was forensic DNA profiling discovered?

Leicester University, where the DNA fingerprint was first discovered 30 years ago, celebrates the anniversary of the remarkable find.

Articles of Interest

Reacting to Personal Setbacks:Do You Bounce Back or Give Up?- via Lab Manager Magazine

Rutgers researchers find the ability to persist may depend on how the news is delivered.

Performance Assessment Revisited

- via Forensic Magazine

It doesn't have to be a high anxiety experience.

3 Tips for Effective Communication - via Lab Manager Magazine

Words are powerful; use with care, media expert notes.