DNA has proven to be a powerful tool in the fight against crime. DNA evidence can identify suspects, convict the guilty, and exonerate the innocent. Throughout the Nation, criminal justice professionals are discovering that advancements in DNA technology are breathing new life into old, cold, or unsolved criminal cases. Evidence that was previously unsuitable for DNA testing because a biological sample was too small or degraded may now yield a DNA profile. Development of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) at the State and national levels enables law enforcement to aid investigations by effectively and efficiently identifying suspects and linking serial crimes to each other. The National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence made clear, however, that we must dedicate more resources to empower law enforcement to use this technology quickly and effectively. Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases is intended for use by law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals who have the responsibility for reviewing and investigating unsolved cases. This report will provide basic information to assist agencies in the complex process of case review with a specific emphasis on using DNA evidence to solve previously unsolvable crimes. Although DNA is not the only forensic tool that can be valuable to unsolved case investigations, advancements in DNA technology and the success of DNA database systems have inspired law enforcement agencies throughout the country to reevaluate cold cases for DNA evidence. As law enforcement professionals progress through investigations, however, they should keep in mind the array of other technology advancements, such as improved ballistics and fingerprint databases, which may substantially advance a case beyond its original level.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation has served as the “Bible” of criminal investigation for many years. The ninth edition reflects the changes in advancements in forensic science, practices of criminalistics, computerization, electronic databases, and the Internet while remaining focused on the fundamentals of criminal investigation to help investigators build a solid foundation of investigative skills. Criminal investigators will learn what is meant by a complete investigation and acquaint themselves with the proofs of the most important crimes. In addition, they will become familiar with the employment of technical methods and services that are available. The tools of the investigator are referred to as the three “I’s,” namely, “Information,” “Interrogation,” and “Instrumentation.” This new edition includes an expanded discussion of this valuable tool. Among the changes in this new edition are the following: Updates to crime rates and occurrences; updated references and resources; updated glossary; a new chapter and section outline in the appendix to help facilitate locating material; revised crime scene investigation procedures; new information of the Next Generation Identification electronic database; new information on serial number restoration; new discussion of stress and determining deception; new discussion of intelligence analysis; revision of arson investigation techniques and practices; expanded discussion of Internet swindles; and an updated discussion of commonly abused drugs. The presentation of material in this book is directed to the beginning student of investigation, but experienced investigators and supervisors will find this text an excellent resource.

The development of DNA technology furthers the search for truth by helping police & prosecutors in the fight against violent crime. Most of the individuals whose stories are told in the report were convicted after jury trials & were sentenced to long prison terms. They successfully challenged their convictions, using DNA tests on existing evidence. They had served, on average, seven years in prison. By highlighting the importance & utility of DNA evidence, this report presents challenges to the scientific & justice communities. A task ahead is to maintain the highest standards for the collection & preservation of DNA evidence.

Federal funding made available by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through the DNA Initiative helped state and local governments significantly increase the capacity of their DNA laboratories between 2005 and 2008. At the same time, the demand for DNA testing continues to outstrip the capacity of crime laboratories to process these cases. This report addresses the issue that crime laboratories are processing more cases than ever before, but their expanded capacity has not been able to meet the increased demand. The report examines what a backlog is and how backlogs can be reduced. Charts and tables.