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In This Issue
About Us
 
STACS DNA delivers the only sample tracking and lab management software designed specifically for forensic DNA labs. Since 2000, we've helped DNA database and casework labs dramatically increase capacity, prevent errors, cut costs, improve data quality and meet accreditation standards, without hiring additional staff. 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 Software" for DNA- What we do is in our name!

July & August 2015

STACS DNA Hits Europe
   
Next week, STACS DNA will be exhibiting at the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) in Krakow, Poland and then at the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS), in Prague, Czech Republic. 

We are excited for this opportunity to meet with forensic biologists and lab leadership from many countries to discuss challenges and solutions related to DNA sample tracking and processing.

If you are attending one of these events, please come and introduce yourself!
  

Did You Know? 

Seven of the eight largest forensic DNA databank laboratories in North America use STACS-DB Enterprise, including the FBI and RCMP. The RCMP has been using STACS-DB since 2000 and the FBI since 2003.

  

Events

Plan to visit us at:


International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG)
 
August 31-September 5, 2015
 
Krakow, Poland


European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS)

September 6-11, 2015

Prague, Czech Republic

 

 

Mackinac Island, MI
 
In the News: North America 

Two US Senators are urging the DOJ to fully implement the SAFER Act to help state and local governments eliminate the national backlog of untested rape kits.

A U.S. senator is asking the Department of Justice to account for why a rape-kit backlog still exists, despite more than a decade of federal funding to eliminate it.

For the first time, a NJ jury will consider evidence in a murder case based on a "next generation" test that can analyze the DNA from just a few cells of biological material.

State Sen. Dominic Pileggi thinks allowing investigators to collect DNA after an arrest could remove violent criminals from Pennsylvania's streets.

The governor has signed a bill that would expand access to DNA testing for people hoping to prove they were wrongly convicted.

A new state law requiring people arrested for violent crimes to provide DNA samples could help solve cold cases and lead to more convictions, law enforcement officials and lawmakers said.
 
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to process approximately 20,000 rape kits that had been previously untested.

A rape kit testing program launched by the Ohio Attorney General's Office has led to more than 10,000 rape kits being submitted for testing and identified nearly 3,000 suspected rapists.

Over the past decade alone, Congress has approved enough money to reduce the nation's backlog of DNA evidence testing to have tested more than 1 million sexual assault evidence kits.

A public records request with a couple questions about untested rape kits hit a nerve with some local and state officials, who started making changes even before the USA TODAY Media Network published its investigation.

The State Crime Lab has been swamped with rape kits awaiting DNA analysis since March, accelerating in June when police agencies around the state responded to criticism that old evidence wasn't being tested.
 
Hundreds of sexual assault kits have been uncovered that have not been tested for DNA in Hampton Roads.

More than ten years after the Sepich family began work to make Katie's Law a national effort, there is still a lot to be done.

In its three years in operation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's Cold Case Unit brought to close two unsolved homicide cases dating as far back as the 1970s.
 
In the News: International

A second major national database has uploaded forensic DNA profiles using the RapidHIT System.

Gulf state to introduce testing for all citizens and foreign residents following last month's ISIL mosque bombing.
 
New theory to be investigated is from a man who claims to be the victim's descendent.
 
Australia's law enforcement information-sharing agency CrimTrac will soon switch on a new system that will for the first time allow police to compare human remains to long-time missing persons cases across state and territory borders.
 
If you are locked up for a criminal matter, chances are that DNA material taken from you will be retained in the Government's database, even if you have been found not guilty or if there is no prosecution of the case.
 
Articles of Interest

In the three decades since DNA emerged as a forensic tool, courts have rarely been skeptical about its power. Should they be?
 
What do juries think of DNA accuracy when it does show up in criminal trials? From the Marshall Project.
 
Think again! What TV writers get wrong ALL the time.
 
What today's lab managers need to consider when making plans for the future
 
Improvements to existing procedures and work flow may be sufficient to solve the problem. And, of course, consider increased automation to improve productivity.