Forensic DNA evidence has become a critical tool in the investigation and prosecution of crime in the United States. Police can use DNA evidence at a crime scene to both identify the perpetrators and exonerate suspects initially implicated by other types of evidence. In addition, jurisdictions are expanding the types of crimes in which they seek DNA evidence. The technology involved in forensic DNA typing evolves on a continual basis. As a result, prosecutors and other law enforcement officials require continuous training in the most recent developments in forensic DNA typing technologies.

The DNA Forensics Program is committed to meeting the needs of prosecutors and investigators. The program furnishes written materials on scientific advancements, case law, and legislation; consultation and advice on methods for effectively presenting DNA in court; and national training conferences taught by scientific and legal experts in their fields.

The DNA Forensics Program's training schedule can be located by clicking on the "EDUCATION" link at the top of this page. The DNA Forensic Program conducts trainings across the country as well as through the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) at the National Advocacy Center.

NDAA is constantly updating its in-house resources on DNA, which include the following: (1) curriculum vitae, scientific articles, correspondence, trial transcripts, and other court documents on forensic DNA experts; (2) a library of scientific articles from prominent journals; (3) information packets on a variety of topics ranging from specific typing technologies, like Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Mitochondrial DNA, to general topics, like Admissibility and Trial Issues. The DNA Forensics Program also produces a national newsletter, Silent Witness, that deals with a wide variety of cutting-edge topics relating to forensic DNA evidence.

The DNA Forensics Program provides invaluable services to criminal justice professionals dealing with DNA evidence. Through training and technical assistance efforts, members of the DNA Forensics Program help ensure that prosecutors and investigators continue using forensic DNA evidence to its fullest potential in the nation's war against crime.