Rapid DNA is designed to prevent a wanted suspect from unknowingly being released before the traditional DNA results return. Now, this process can reduce the time down to only 90 minutes.
The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory (LSPCL) is the first agency in the country to receive approval from the FBI to conduct Rapid DNA booking operations.
This will enable the LSPCL to immediately analyze and compare DNA samples collected from a qualifying arrestee to evidence samples in the “Combined DNA Index System,” better known as CODIS.
For example, if an arrestee’s DNA is already in the system, the Rapid DNA will be able to swab a person’s cheek and run the sample through CODIS. If it’s a positive hit & the arrestee is wanted out of another jurisdiction for an outstanding crime/warrant, the arrestee will not be released. Instead, both the investigating and booking agencies will be notified while the arrestee is still in custody.
For more than three years, personnel at LSPCL have been working with the FBI and other states to develop a Rapid DNA program with the goal of integrating Rapid DNA into the booking environment.
“I am proud of the hard work and vision of our dedicated staff at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Their tireless efforts to implement this public safety tool will place our state on the cutting edge of testing technology and systems,” said Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “I am grateful for the collaborative efforts by our state, local, and federal partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Rapid DNA is the fully automated process of developing a DNA profile from a buccal (cheek) swab without human intervention.
The implementation of a Rapid DNA Booking Program requires a lengthy policy review and special approval known as an Authority to Operate (ATO). The LSPCL is the first agency in the country to receive FBI ATO for conducting Rapid DNA booking operations.
The LSPCL has been working closely with the FBI and Rapid DNA vendors to ensure that the necessary workflows are in place to safeguard the security and privacy of Rapid DNA data collected from the booking agency.
Recently, the first booking agency Rapid DNA instrument was installed and successfully tested at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison in collaboration with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Following the success of the Rapid DNA integration at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, the LSPCL is planning to integrate Rapid DNA at three other booking agencies in Louisiana by the end of 2023.
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