NCJ Number
120715
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 86,88,89
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Advances in recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology hold significant promise for forensic sciences in that they present the possibility of identifying the individual from whom a body fluid or tissue came and excluding all other individuals.
Abstract
DNA testing of forensic evidence was first developed in 1985 in England and was first successfully used in the United States in 1987. It became the top priority of the FBI Laboratory in 1987, and efforts to develop simpler, faster, and less costly methods continue. The laboratory currently spends about 8 weeks for each case, which averages 4 to 5 specimens, and will be able to analyze about 10,000 specimens per year. This technology will benefit the administration of justice worldwide. However, it can be useful only if evidence is properly recognized, collected, preserved, and analyzed. Therefore, all law enforcement professionals must strive to support all efforts to promote the implementation of the new technology.