September 22nd, 2023
Monroe County Crime Lab to adopt latest DNA testing technology
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Congressman Joseph Morelle today announced a $526,741 Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to speed the process of analyzing DNA samples to be used in criminal investigations and prosecutions. The grant will fund new software to help isolate specific DNA in cases where there is a mixture of DNA in the evidence samples from multiple individuals. The new technology allows for reduced analysis time of mixed DNA samples recovered from evidence and a more standardized approach to interpret these mixtures.
“The Monroe County Crime Lab needs to keep pace with evolving technology to help law enforcement solve criminal cases and to aid the District Attorney with prosecuting criminals,” said County Executive Bello. “DNA evidence must go through a time consuming validation process. This new technology will greatly speed that process. Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle for his continuing advocacy for our public safety.”
Technology advances in DNA analysis allow for the detection of smaller amounts of DNA on evidence needed to develop a person’s unique DNA profile. Often, the smaller samples include DNA mixtures of multiple individuals. The data from these mixtures must be interpreted by specially trained forensic biologists— a time consuming process which must be repeated, independently, by a second specially trained forensic biologist. The software will streamline the DNA mixture interpretation and save time for both the forensic biologists involved.
"Fighting crime in our community requires a multifaceted approach based on collaboration between all law enforcement networks," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "The Monroe County Crime Lab is central to this approach, and it’s necessary we provide them with the resources required for their continued success. I'm grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership in making public safety a priority."
Once the DOJ grant is approved by the Monroe County Legislature, the new software should be in operation in the second quarter of 2024.
“Thank you to County Executive Bello and to Congressman Joseph Morelle for their continued support of our crime laboratory — especially as we celebrate National Forensic Science week,” said Monroe County Crime Lab Director John Clark. “This funding will help get information on mixed DNA samples to investigating agencies more efficiently so they can solve more crimes.
