DNA evidence has become an increasingly powerful tool for solving crimes. For years, law enforcement officials have used DNA to solve violent crimes, such as homicide and sexual assault. Now, research reveals that collecting DNA in property crimes, such as burglaries, is cost-effective and dramatically increases the number of suspects identified.

The DNA Field Experiment was a collaboration between NIJ and local law enforcement agencies—police, crime labs and prosecutors—in five communities: Los Angeles, Topeka, Denver, Phoenix and Orange County (Calif.).

In this expert panelists discussed the experiences of the cities collecting DNA evidence from property crimes, how to determine if collecting biological DNA evidence is right for your city, building partnerships among police, crime labs and prosecutors; as well as, challenges the city may face.

Panelists included:
Katharine Browning, Ph.D. (MODERATOR), Senior Social Science Analyst, National Institute of Justice
John Roman, Ph.D. - Researcher, Urban Institute
Mitch Morrissey - District Attorney, Denver, Colorado
Greg Matheson - Director, Los Angeles Police Department Criminalistics Laboratory
Philip Stanford - Detective, Denver Police Department

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