APRI Highlights - Summer 2001

DNA Forensics Program

Lisa Kreeger, DNA Forensics Program Manager and Senior Attorney

DNA evidence is an important part of criminal investigation and prosecution -- an essential tool used to identify individuals who commit crimes and to exonerate those initially thought to be suspects. The technology in this field is rapidly evolving. Hence, prosecutors and law enforcement officials require continuous training and technical assistance in the most current developments in forensic DNA.

APRI's DNA Forensics Program helps prosecutors and investigators stay abreast of advances in forensic uses of DNA. By providing comprehensive training and technical assistance to criminal justice professionals, program staff helps ensure that DNA evidence will be used to the maximum extent possible in the nation's war against crime. The DNA Forensics Program, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is America's only resource for prosecutors dedicated to the science of DNA.

Training is offered at two levels: basic and advanced. This year, both courses were offered once at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, and once at another city; the advanced course in New Orleans and the basic course in Cleveland. In the coming year, the program plans to repeat these courses and to expand its training schedule if additional funding becomes available.

For the first time, APRI's DNA Forensics Program co-sponsored a course with the National College of District Attorneys. Held in Rhode Island on May 31 and June 1, this course may serve as a model for future programs organized at the state or regional level. APRI hopes to offer similar opportunities to prosecutors in all regions of the country.

APRI continues to provide legal assistance to prosecutors handling DNA evidence. Program staff routinely collects and disseminates scientific materials, caselaw and recent legislation upon request to prosecutors across the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. In addition, valuable and current information is available to prosecutors through the program's newsletter, Silent Witness, (in hard copy and on APRI's website) and in the publication, Reported Forensic Cases. This summer, the program will release the "Prosecutor's Guide to DNA," an exhaustive collection of legal and technical materials that promises to be a significant and permanent contribution to the field.

For more information about APRI's DNA Forensics program, please contact dna@ndaa-apri.org.