The use of DNA evidence in the investigation and prosecution of crime is increasing. As DNA databases expand, "cold hits" will also increase, and the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to cold hits is often overlooked. It is imperative that organizations establish policies and procedures to ensure a seamless response to cold hits by the investigating law enforcement agency and the crime laboratory. Systems for streamlining notification and tracking responses to cold hits must be developed and maintained.

There are a number of pitfalls associated with an agency's failure to establish a protocol for responding to cold hits, including further victimization and jeopardizing limited funding to laboratories.

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