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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

NIJ FY 14 DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants Program

Closing Date
NIJ seeks applications from eligible States with designated DNA database laboratories for funding to assist with the costs associated with the implementation of DNA arrestee collection processes, in keeping with the purposes of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-253), thereby helping to improve the capacity of laboratories that conduct DNA analysis of DNA database samples.

NIJ FY 14 Solving Cold Cases with DNA

Closing Date

NIJ seeks applications from States and units of local government for funding under the Solving Cold Cases With DNA program to identify, review, and investigate Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part 1 Violent Crime “cold cases” that have the potential to be solved using DNA analysis, and to locate and analyze the biological evidence associated with these cases. NIJ’s goal is to make funding available to...

Notifying Sexual Assault Victims When Evidence Is Tested

April 2014

Interview with Dr. Noël Busch-Armendariz, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Watch Dr. Noël Busch-Armendariz discuss what Houston is learning about the role of notifying sexual assault victims when their rape kits are DNA-tested. In talking about the nationwide implications of the Houston action-research project, Dr. Busch-Armendariz says that the nation is ready to move beyond a focus solely on kit-testing to the larger discussion of how to tackle the complicated issue of sexual assault.

The Importance of Victim Cooperation in Solving Sexual Assaults

April 2014

Interview with Dr. Bill Wells, Ph.D., Sam Houston State University

Watch Bill Wells discuss the problem of unsubmitted sexual assault kits in Houston, including some lessons learned to-date. Dr. Wells also talks about the crucial role of victim cooperation in solving sexual assault cases and the Houston Police Department's hiring of a justice advocate to improve investigations.

NIJ FY 14 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence to Exonerate the Innocent

Closing Date

​NIJ is seeking proposals for funds to help defray the costs associated with postconviction DNA testing in cases of violent felony offenses where actual innocence might be demonstrated. Specifically, funding may be used to review postconviction cases of violent felony offenses (as defined by State law), and to locate and analyze biological evidence samples associated with these cases. Where a strong justification is provided, a...