Governors Examine Use of DNA to Improve Public Safety

A new issue brief from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) provides an overview of how forensic DNA can be used to aid investigations, presents opportunities for improving public safety through better DNA practices, outlines challenges to expanding the use of forensic DNA and provides recommendations for governors and other state policymakers.

DNA can provide an unparalleled degree of certainty in solving crimes and identifying criminals and victims of violent crime. According to the brief, however, its full potential as a crime-fighting and crime-solving tool remains underutilized. By increasing the collection of DNA samples included in state databases, expanding statewide standards for forensic labs and developing sustainable funding governors have an opportunity to improve how DNA can enhance public safety.

Specific recommendations for governors and state policymakers include:

• Expanding DNA databases to include high-volume crimes
• Including missing persons and unidentified human remains in DNA databases
• Promoting targeted efforts focusing on cold cases and DNA backlogs
• Improving the recruitment and retention of forensic scientists and lab technicians
• Establishing statewide standards for forensic labs
• Providing education on the uses, limits and safeguards of forensic DNA.

"The role of DNA in criminal justice systems will continue to grow as demand increases and testing becomes more efficient and cost-effective," said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. "Governors have a great opportunity to strengthen the forensic capabilities of their states' criminal justice system through DNA and provide the maximum public safety benefit."

In a related development, the NGA Center's Improving Forensic DNA Policy Project will help states ensure they are using DNA to its full extent as a tool to promote public safety. Four states will be selected to participate in the project, which will run from May to December. State teams will participate in a learning lab and an in-state policy workshop and receive customized technical assistance.