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Assessment of Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Evidence Selection Leading to Development of SAK Evidence Machine-Learning Model (SAK-ML Model)

Award Information

Awardee
Utah Department of Public Safety
Award #
2019-NE-BX-0001
Funding Category
Competitive
Location

Taylorsville, UT

Awardee County
Salt Lake
Congressional District
4
Status
Open
Funding First Awarded
2019
Total funding (to date)
$250,000
Original Solicitation
Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories, FY 2019

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2019, $250,000)

The purpose of this study is two-fold. The first purpose is to evaluate crime laboratories’ decision-making protocols on the selection of sexual assault kit DNA evidence to develop research-based guidelines on how many and which swabs should have completed DNA analysis. To achieve the first purpose of the study, data will be collected from three publicly funded forensic laboratories on DNA analysis findings, and from corresponding forensic nursing teams on variables found to be predictive of developing CODIS eligible profiles.

The second purpose of the study is to create and implement a software program, Sexual Assault Kit evidence Machine Learning Model (SAK-ML Model), to generate probabilities of developing CODIS-eligible DNA profiles from sexual assault kit swabs. The SAK-ML Model will guide forensic scientists in the selection of the most probative swabs to analyze.

Development of the SAK-ML Model is possible, as the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services and the partnering Brigham Young University research team (Julie Valentine, PI) already have compiled a large dataset on DNA findings from sexual assault kits. Utah will enact statewide forensic electronic medical records beginning in July 2019, which will allow for automatic generation of the SAK-ML Model. Implementation of the SAK-ML Model will enhance crime laboratory efficiency and improve DNA analysis outcomes from sexual assault kits.

Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law, and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).

CA/NCF

Date Created: September 13, 2019