CDCR: Case Study: Live Scan DNA Automation Project
California is the leader when it comes to collecting DNA and is on the cutting edge of this technology. The Department of Justice (DOJ) DNA Laboratory is the 4th largest DNA data base in the world; first is the UK, second is the FBI, and third is China. California is the only state that collects DNA electronically at the Live Scan and then matches it with the sample when it is received at the DOJ lab. Statute expanded the State’s DNA Data Bank Program on January 1, 2009, all adults arrested for any felony offense must provide a buccal swab DNA sample, and thumb and palm print impressions for the State of California’s DNA Data Bank Program (Penal Code Section 296(a)(2)(C)). The DOJ has partnered with the local County jails and CDCR on implementation of the new automated process in order to keep up with the volume of samples that are required to be collected in California. "This effort truly demonstrated how multiple entities can effectively work together to improve public safety," said Joe Panora, Director of Enterprise Information Services (EIS) for the CDCR.
Staff from the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI), Standardization Unit and Enterprise Information Services (EIS) partnered with DOJ to introduce this new automated DNA process. As a result of this collaboration, the DNA upgrade is made available at no cost to CDCR with DOJ utilizing Proposition 69 funding. The new DNA process and upgrade allows for greater efficiencies in terms of CDCR subject identification and DNA sample submissions to DOJ achieving better accuracy in linking an offender to unsolved crimes prior to a release and brings closure to victims and their families. Starting in June 2012 staff from the EIS Live Scan Unit, DOJ Bureau of Forensic Services, DOJ Client Services, and the vendor conducted training at 13 CDCR Adult institutions and 2 Juvenile facilities that have Custody Live Scans. The staff received training on the proper collection of DNA and hands on training at the custody live scan on using the new software and the new automated DNA process.
Since the implementation of this new process DOJ has received 116 cold hits from CDCR, which include both in state and out of state cases. "The program has been extremely successful and through these collaborative efforts we have had 116 cold case hits, we look forward to continuing these efforts to ensure overall public safety," said Kathleen Allison, Deputy Director, Facility Support, Division of Adult Institutions.
This new process allows custody staff to determine if DNA needs to be collected at the Live Scan during the intake process in Receiving and Release (R&R). During this process the CDCR custody staff initiates Live Scan DNA transmissions which are sent to the DOJ. A DOJ transmission response is received back at the originating equipment within 90 seconds or less identifying the subject and determines if DNA collection is required. The upgrade eliminates the need for custody staff to handwrite information onto the DNA collection card (which is filled out during Manual DNA collection) and changed the look of the Live Scan screens in R&R.
Source: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
