|
|
| Crime scene tactics not just for labs |
| By Sarah Etter, News Reporter |
| Published: 11/20/2006 |
On shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, DNA testing usually saves the day. Whether it's on a sweater fiber, in a drop of blood or in a stray hair, it can be just the right evidence for detectives and crime lab technicians to crack the case.But DNA procedures are no longer limited to the agencies these crime dramas spotlight. Across the country, laws are being passed that require DOCs to collect samples from inmates. In Missouri, for example, laws were recently adjusted to include all DNA testing of convicted felons. “In late 2005, the DOC became actively involved in assisting with unsolved crime cases,” says Missouri Department of Corrections spokeswoman Wanda Seeney. “Anyone assigned to us will now have their DNA collected.” When the legislation changed, the MODOC partnered up with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to train more than 10,000 officers on taking samples from more than 100,000 inmates. Currently, 50,000 of those offenders have been tested, and officials expect to finish the job by mid-December. “We assembled a team of DOC officials from every facility and trained them on DNA swabbing,” explains MHP criminal data supervisor Robin Rothove. “It took three months to get everything in place, but they were very receptive to the training. They returned to their facilities and trained staff there.” The Missouri facilities received testing kits that included a swab and a card with inmate information. For cost effectiveness, the DOC decided to swab mouths instead of drawing blood. Offender samples are then pressed onto specialized paper and sent to the FBI for analysis. The results are then entered into state and national databases to check samples against evidence collected in unsolved crimes. “We've had 534 DNA hits that link samples we've provided to a crime scene,” says Seeney. “This identifies an inmate was involved in a crime, and that person can possibly be prosecuted. We're really excited about the results of this legislation and training.” The MODOC has seen great results, but the project was costly. Each DNA sampling kit costs $3.50, while analysis is about $27 per sample, adding up to an estimated $3 million. Seeney says much of the funding came from the state as part of another law that requires offenders who plead no contest' to pay a $30 state fee. “That money is circulated back into the system to pay for the testing,” explains Seeney. “So this is done at minimal cost to the DOC.” Although only 22 states have similar legislation on the books, Seeney thinks many might change their laws to include offender DNA testing once they see the success that states like Missouri have had. She recommends that states that do pass the DNA law create a very organized plan regarding DNA kit training and distribution. “We ran into a few problems trying to make sure all the facilities had enough kits,” she says. “This was a really big undertaking, but our COs and administration worked really hard to get it off the ground with the help of the highway patrol.” With the new partnership, the MODOC is moving forward to include testing for the probation and parole population as well. Closed cases aside, Seeney says the project has been a huge morale booster for the department. “Everyone involved has been very receptive to this. Now that we're seeing results, the officers are proud to be an active partner of this project,” she says. Related Resources: DNA database ruled legal, 8/30/06 Bill to allow inmate DNA tests approved, 5/18/06 |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Our truck accident lawyers have seen many causes of these accidents. They can often include an improper lane change, incorrect stopping distance, defective equipment, an inexperienced driver, an unqualified driver and road defects. Our team of trucking accident attorneys will investigate your accident with the help of experts to determine the most likely cause of your 18 wheeler accident. While you wait for the conclusion of your truck accident claim, your Waco truck accident attorney can work around the clock to address issues such as medical bills, calls from creditors, communications from insurance companies, and legal fees. Semi truck owners are required to carry more extensive insurance coverage, the trucks are subject to a strictly controlled maintenance schedule, and drivers are required to track and limit their time on the road. But many trucking companies pressure their drivers to drive without sleep to get to their destination. This creates fatigue for the truck driver.