ABSTRACT
Forensic DNA technology and forensic DNA databases are widely recognized as some of the most ecient and eective crime ghting tools available to law enforcement. It is, however, the combination of both the biological science of DNA and the computer science of databasing that makes DNA evidence so powerful at identifying and convicting the guilty while exonerating the innocent. Absent the “database” component in a crime ghting context, DNA technology fails to be an investigative tool that increases law enforcement’s e- ciency or eectiveness. Without the databasing component, DNA evidence can only be useful once police have identied a suspect, through the traditional investigative processes. DNA alone certainly makes a case better once police have performed their investigative role. However, when computer databasing technology is integrated into the investigative dynamic, the investigative process itself becomes signicantly more eective and ecient. DNA becomes the driver of an investigation, rather than the goal of the investigation. is is especially true in cases where traditional investigative techniques have been unhelpful and when no suspect can otherwise be identied.
