NIJ-Supported Research Reduces Sexual Assault DNA Processing Time

The Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice recently published an article discussing a new method to improve the efficiency and workflow of DNA processing in sexual assault cases.

The ability to prosecute a sexual assault case often relies on the availability of DNA evidence. Notably, 72% of jurors anticipate seeing DNA in a sexual assault trial, but the process of manually extracting DNA from sexual assault kits can be time consuming and labor intensive. The consequence is a nation-wide backlog of unprocessed kits and fewer convictions.

With NIJ funding, researchers automated a key step in the process that separates sperm cells from other cells using a robotic platform. The platform automates the process of mixing samples, which increases efficiency and speed, improves accuracy and reliability, reduces contamination or degradation of samples, and standardizes the procedure, both within and between labs.

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About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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CONTACT: OJP Media at [email protected]