No-Suspect Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Program FY 2001

PROJECT SUMMARY FOR 2002DN-BX-K023

DNA analysis used in conjunction with the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a powerful investigative tool beginning at the crime scene with collection of evidence and ending with a judicial conclusion. For CODIS to be truly effective and DNA to reach its full crime-solving potential, DNA databases must be populated with both offender profiles and DNA profiles from crime scene evidence. DNA is especially useful in cases where no suspect is known. DNA profiles obtained from evidence collected in cases where there is no suspect can be compared to local, State, and national DNA databases through CODIS for a match between the evidence and a convicted felon.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice will examine 850 no suspect cases. Federal funds will pay for equipment ot increase capacity and perform the required quality assurance for the no suspect casework to be performed. Federal funds, also, will facilitate contracts for outsourching. DNA analysis will be performed by outsourcing to priviate vendors. The resulting DNA profiles will be entered into the forensic index section of their state DNA database to be compared to convicted offender indices. Perhaps 10% or more of these forensic profiels from unsolved crimes will find their solutions in the DNA profiles of the convicted offender samples currently populating CODIS.