A4

THE RAPID EVOLUTION IN THE APPLICATION OF DNA ANALYSIS TO SOLVING VIOLENT CRIME INCLUDING SEXUAL ASSAULT

Presenters: Patrick O'Donnell

Abstract Category: Medical

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Submitted

Description:      

The presentation will describe how basic forensic DNA works, how it can be applied to sexual assault, and the use of the CODIS DNA database.

Abstract:

The rapid evolution of forensic DNA analysis has dramatically enhanced the ability of law enforcement to solve violent crime and for the legal system to successfully prosecute defendants. Sophisticated DNA typing systems known as short tandem repeats (STR's) has allowed for the evaluation of a wide range of evidence.  Legislation in nearly all fifty states has authorized law enforcement to collect biological samples from convicted felons for database purposes. 

This biological database known as the Combined DNA Index Sytem or CODIS now contains nearly two million DNA profiles from convicted offenders nationwide.  Legislation designed to ensure biological samples are collected from felon arrestees is pending in many states, and guarantees that the database will show substantial growth in the coming years. The use of STR typing systems and CODIS have both been critical to law enforcement solving sexual assault cases where suspect identity is not known.  DNA analysis is also essential to reconstructing elements of the sexual assault such as what acts were involved in the crime.  DNA laboratories throughout the country are expanding rapidly in hopes of successfully meeting the enormous demand for testing services. 

Finally, continued advances in DNA analysis such as male-specific DNA testing encertain an even greater role for DNA testing in the analysis of sexual assault cases.