Publications for Researchers

Publications containing information on DNA technology and its applications in criminal justice systems.

Report to the Attorney General on Delays in Forensic DNA Analysis
National Institute of Justice, 2003
Although crime laboratories have made enormous progress in reducing the number of unanalyzed convicted offender samples from DNA databases, they continue to be deluged with analysis requests. This report presents the results of a task force, convened by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at the request of Attorney General John Ashcroft, to assess existing DNA analysis delays and develop recommendations for eliminating those delays. The report details six recommendations that will serve as the foundation of a comprehensive, national DNA backlog reduction strategy.

National Forensic DNA Study Report
Smith Alling Lane, P.S.; Division of Governmental Studies and Services, Washington State University, 2003, with funding from the National Institute of Justice
An NIJ-commissioned independent study to ascertain the size of and reasons for the Nation's backlog of DNA evidence.

The Application of DNA Technology in England and Wales
Smith Alling Lane, P.S.; Division of Governmental Studies and Services, Washington State University, 2003, with funding from the National Institute of Justice
England is widely recognized as having the most effective and efficient approach to the use of forensic DNA technology in the world. This NIJ commissioned independent study reviews the application of DNA technology in England and Wales.

The Future of Forensic DNA Testing: Predictions of the Research and Development Working Group
National Institute of Justice, 2000
This 2000 report, the work of the Research and Development Working Group of the National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence, discusses projected 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year milestones for DNA technology.

2002 DNA Grantees' Workshop
National Institute of Justice, 2003
Includes the executive summary and research briefings from the 2002 Third Annual DNA Grantees' Workshop. Organizations receiving funding support for DNA laboratory improvement discuss how new technological innovations might be developed and adapted to meet the current and future needs of public crime laboratories.

2001 DNA Grantees' Workshop
National Institute of Justice, 2002
This CD-ROM includes the executive summary and research briefings from the Second Annual DNA Grantees' Workshop, held June 6–8, 2001. Organizations receiving funding support for DNA laboratory improvement discuss how new technological innovations might be developed and adapted to meet the current and future needs of public crime laboratories.

Improved Analysis of DNA Short Tandem Repeats With Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
National Institute of Justice, 2001
Explains the value of analyzing DNA samples using time-of-flight mass spectrometry, a technology that can process several thousand DNA samples daily with greater accuracy than conventional electrophoresis methods.

Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
The White House, 2003
An overview of the President's Initiative to improve the use of DNA in the criminal justice system by providing funding, training, and assistance. The President has proposed $1 billion in funding over 5 years to fulfill the goals of the initiative: reduce the DNA testing backlog, build crime lab capacity, stimulate research and development, support training, protect the innocent, and identify missing persons.