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.
International Symposium on Human Identification (
