DNA has emerged as a remarkable crime fighting tool. DNA has the potential to be the best crime solving tool of the 21st century. DNA has been very critical in solving some of the nations most serious crimes. DNA analysis is a very powerful tool, because each persons DNA is unique in most cases. DNA evidence collected from a crime scene can implicate or eliminate a suspect. It can also analyze unidentified remains through comparisons with DNA from someone’s relative. Previously, unsolvable cases, more often homicides and sexual assaults, can contain DNA evidence that will help identify the criminal, even though the victim can’t.
When evidence from one crime scene is compared through the federal DNA database with evidence from another crime scene those crimes can be linked to the same person locally, statewide, and nationally. Also, plants and animals hold DNA, as well. Newer DNA analysis techniques can yield results from biological evidence that’s invisible to an officer. DNA analysis methods also can be able to help in the identification of missing persons. DNA can be obtained from severely degraded samples, as well.
This has enhanced law enforcement tremendously. Without DNA evidence, most people would never be convicted (DNAs Link to Corrections, n. . ). DNA will continue to advance. Some anticipated advances are broader implementation of the CODIS database, increased automated lab procedures, use of computerized analysis, portable devices capable of DNA analysis and remote links to databases and other criminal justice information services (DNA Evidence,n. d. ). Reference DNA Evidence: What Law Enforcement Should Know. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 12, 2012 From: http://www. ncjrs. gov/pdffiles/jr000249c. pdj. DNA’s Link to Corretcions. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 12, 2012 from: http://www. crimescene- Investigations. net/NIJ-DNALinkCorretcion. pdf.