DNA Forensics Program
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.
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.
Training
DNA: A Prosecutors Practice Notebook
This free, self-paced, online training is designed to assist State and local prosecutors in preparing DNA-related cases for prosecution. The lessons cover a wide spectrum of topics relating to the science of DNA and its legal application in the courtroom. Lessons include:
- Investigating Cases Involving DNA
- Preparing Cases Involving DNA
- Presenting Cases Involving DNA
- Special Case Circumstances
- Lab Report Analysis
Publications
DNA Evidence Policy Considerations for the Prosecutor
Download PDF publication 
There are few techniques in the history of forensic science that have been more thoroughly scrutinized and validated than forensic DNA testing.
Appendix A — Link to download documents
Forensic DNA Fundamentals for the Prosecutor
— Be Not Afraid
Download PDF publication
This publication serves as a primer for prosecutors
on the basics of DNA.
This project was supported by Award No. 2007-DN-BX-0011 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.