Backlog of DNA Evidence

One of the biggest problems facing the criminal justice system today is the substantial backlog of unanalyzed DNA samples and biological evidence from crime scenes, especially in sexual assault and murder cases. Too often, crime scene samples wait unanalyzed in police or crime lab storage facilities. Timely analysis of these samples and placement into DNA databases can avert tragic results. For example, in 1995, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement linked evidence found on a rape-homicide victim to a convicted rapist's DNA profile just eight days before he was scheduled for parole. Had he been released prior to being linked to the unsolved rape-homicide, he may very well have raped or murdered again.

By contrast, analysis and placement into CODIS of DNA profiles can dramatically enhance the chances that potential crime victims will be spared the violence of vicious, repeat offenders.

The state and local backlog problem has two components:

1. Casework sample backlogs consist of DNA samples obtained from crime scenes, victims, and suspects in criminal cases. More on the backlog casework samples.
2. Convicted offender backlogs consist of DNA samples obtained from convicted offenders who are incarcerated or under supervision. More on the backlog convicted offender samples .