The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) established the Rapid DNA Program Office in 2010 to facilitate the development and integration of Rapid DNA technology for use by law enforcement. In accordance with the Rapid DNA Act of 2017, Rapid DNA instrumentation will be implemented in two settings: (1) accredited forensic DNA laboratories for reference sample analysis; and (2) federal, state, and local law enforcement booking stations, in states that allow DNA analysis on arrestees. Much of the preparation for using Rapid DNA in a laboratory setting has been completed, and the FBI’s efforts are now focused on the standards and procedures for use of this technology in a law enforcement booking environment. The FBI has selected five states to operate as pilots for Rapid DNA analysis in 2019:  Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. 

Rapid DNA instruments were designed for reference sample DNA analysis and are similar to LiveScan capture instruments for ten print collections.  The Rapid DNA analysis of crime-scene DNA is not authorized at this time for the national DNA database.  Crime-scene samples can contain DNA from multiple individuals (mixtures), degraded DNA, and small amounts of DNA.   However, a few law enforcement agencies are using Rapid DNA in conjunction with non-CODIS databases to provide timely investigative leads and solve cases.  These agencies, along with representatives from several national law enforcement associations and the National District Attorneys Association, are participating in FBI’s Rapid DNA Crime Scene Task Force.  The task force will meet for the first time in October 2018 and consists of two focus areas:  (1) reviewing current application of Rapid DNA and identifying best practices to share with agencies establishing Rapid DNA capabilities; and (2) developing Rapid DNA for crime-scene and CODIS applications.  

Questions about the FBI Rapid DNA program can be sent to RapidDNA@FBI.gov.

This year, for the first time, the 2018 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides for three percent of the Crime Victims Fund to be used to support a broad set-aside program for Indian tribes to improve services to crime victims. 

The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking applications for the FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program solicitation.  Under the solicitation, OVC will award grants to eligible tribes, tribal consortia, and tribal designees to support a wide range of services for victims of crime.  OVC anticipates making up to $110 million available through this solicitation.  The FY 2018 set-aside program has expanded the types of crimes addressed to cover victims of human trafficking, victimization as a result of opioid/drug-related crisis and child abuse and neglect, as well as victims of cybercrime and financial crime, among other areas. 

This solicitation has a streamlined, two-phase application process.  OVC staff will review the solicitation requirements and conduct a question and answer session with interested potential applicants.  Phase 1 applications are due on August 6, 2018.

On June 5, 2018, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) launched the U.S. Department of Justice Violence Reduction Response Center (VRRC), a new resource that connects state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, U.S. attorneys, and criminal justice practitioners with expert staff and technical assistance to respond to agency- and situation-specific crime reduction needs.  Established under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General, the VRRC serves as a one-stop shop for justice practitioners to access the most appropriate resources available, from existing DOJ programs to peers and subject experts with experience in violence-reduction strategies. The information, tools, and technical assistance accessible through the VRRC can be tailored to meet specific community needs.

The VRRC can be reached by email (ViolenceReduction@usdoj.gov) or phone [1(833) 872-5174] from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday. All voicemails and emails will receive a response within one business day. 

The Justice Research and Statistics Association is hosting an Integration of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Spatial Analysis (GIS) webinar on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.  This no-cost webinar will discuss two SNA projects undertaken by the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Police Department.  The first project examined the extent of shared connections among shooting victims through network analysis; in particular, the analysis examined cross-divisional connections by combining network analysis and GIS.  The second project applied SNA to understand connections among gangs at the group level across the city.  The project focused on (1) identifying the extent and nature of positive/negative connections among gangs; and (2) developing a Web-based application that visualizes the result of SNA on a map.

Webinar Date:  July 17, 2018, 3:00 p.m., ET

The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) recent webinar, “Enhancing Law Enforcement’s Analytical Capacity: Technology Integration in West Memphis, Arkansas,” featured the technology integration project undertaken by the West Memphis, Arkansas, Police Department (West Memphis PD), as part of the West Memphis, Arkansas, National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) site, to enhance its data-driven policing mission.  Retired Chief Larry Larimore and Jessica Herbert with the West Memphis PSP site discussed the project as a whole, as well as key factors to consider when developing analytical capacity and implementing new technologies. BJA NTTAC specialist James Lah discussed the training and technical assistance delivery process and how BJA NTTAC connected West Memphis PD with the “best-fit” provider to help the department meet its goals. In addition, Captain Joe Baker of West Memphis PD discussed his agency’s technology needs, the various challenges West Memphis PD encountered, and key lessons learned. Regional Director Randy Smith with the Numerica Corporation provided the vendor perspective on approaching the integration project, including the obstacles faced and major takeaways.

For additional information about the webinar, please contact BJA NTTAC at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov or 1(855) 252-8822.