APRI Highlights - Winter 2002

DNA Forensics Program

Lisa Kreeger, DNA Forensics Program Manager and Senior Attorney

Tragically, terrorism is accomplished in a number of forms. Recent incidents of anthrax-infected letters and the hijacked plane crashes of September 11, 2001, emphasize the crucial role DNA plays in current investigations of crimes. As APRI attorneys and faculty have taught consistently, DNA identification is an accurate and, therefore essential, method of criminal identification. As the roles that local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices play in terrorism expand, in cooperation with federal authorities or independently, the ability they have to use DNA evidence assumes greater importance for all.

APRI’s DNA Forensics Program continues to train and to assist prosecutors and investigators in forensic uses of DNA. The DNA Forensics Program remains the only resource for prosecutors dedicated to the nation’s war against crime.

The faculty and staff attorneys’ commitment to state and local prosecutors was evidenced at the time of the hijacked plane crashes on September 11, 2001. APRI staff, APRI faculty and 30 prosecutors assembled in Cleveland, Ohio, for a DNA: Witness to the Truth program that began September 10, 2001. Despite the horror of the tragedies and intense heartache they caused, the students, faculty and staff elected to remain focused on the educational value of the course, while juggling contacts with loved ones, work with their offices and personal grief. APRI extends deep appreciation to the faculty and participants who graciously and courageously remained to teach and learn throughout the remainder of that most extraordinary week.

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