ABSTRACT
DNA (deoxyrbonucleic acid) is one of the most widely sought sources of evidence in UHR investigations, yet obtaining and comparing DNA profiles may be among the least understood research procedures. The accuracy of DNA identification in UHR investigations is heavily dependent upon the capabilities and policies of the analyzing laboratory and its status (local, state, national, or private), differences among search protocols, frequent changes to search protocols, the influence of historical practices, and differences and advances in the actual procedures of obtaining and comparing DNA profiles. In the United States, DNA analysis for the purposes of law enforcement is conducted at approximately 190 public CODIS laboratories, but analysis can also be done at private facilities. Searches are also conducted at these laboratories.
