Forensic scientists at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) have employed a multitude of efficient technologies to analyze over 12,000 additional sexual assault kits since 2012. This process has minimized a backlog of untested sexual assault kits and led to the successful prosecution of many criminals.
Through the addition of these DNA profiles to the federal database, investigators can now quickly identify and link individuals to previously unlinked crimes. BCI’s methods are being used as a model by other law enforcement agencies to restore justice in communities nationwide.
While DNA technology has improved dramatically, many popular articles and TV shows tend to overstate the ubiquity of DNA with evidentiary value. It should be used with discretion, carefully considering the many conditions that need to be met in order for the evidence to reach the threshold of acceptability within a court of law.
Join Emily Feldenkris, forensic scientist of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, for the next Science Café Cleveland event.
Feldenkris will give a talk titled “To Catch a Criminal: The use of DNA testing in criminal investigations.” She will talk about how DNA evidence should be used to ensure that justice is served.
Her talk will be held Monday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Ave.).
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Limited menu options will be available for purchase.
Science Café Cleveland is sponsored by the CWRU chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream and the Music Box Supper Club. For more information, visit case.edu/affil/sigmaxi/ScienceCafeCleveland.html.