19-05-2025
State police implement Rapid DNA program
DNA evidence that once took days to process could now provide a break in a case in just 90 minutes.
The state police have expanded their Rapid DNA program, implementing 15 fully automated genetic analyzer machines about the size of desktop computer printers at every troop across the commonwealth except one — Troop T, which handles only turnpike patrol.
Myles Snyder, the communications director at Pennsylvania State Police headquarters, said the machines are ' 'Star Trek' meets 'The Office.' '
'Think of it as a microscope meets a fax machine that's capable of reaching a database for comparison, but is also capable of a scan of the DNA evidence,' said Snyder, adding that it can scan DNA evidence, transmit that profile and compare it to others in a database or a sample.
Prior to each troop having its own DNA machine, crime units had to send DNA to one of six labs across the state, which could take days to process.
Snyder said his understanding is that a DNA sample from a crime scene or missing-person case would go into a sterile cartridge, be inserted into the machine, be compared against another piece of DNA or a database of people who have a DNA profile from a previous crime, and then 'it looks for a match.' He added that only qualified forensic personnel would be tasked with certifying the results.
According to a news release issued by state police, all state and federal guidelines for DNA collection and privacy protections are implemented in the process, with only Forensic Service Unit members who have gone through the proper training operating the equipment and providing verification to the matches.
Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., of South Abington Twp., the chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Cyber Security and Sociology at the University of Scranton, and the executive director of their Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime, said expansion of Rapid DNA could prove beneficial.
While often DNA analysis is used to solve more serious crimes like homicide and sexual assault, he said, more common access to the technology could enable it to be used to solve lesser crimes, like burglary and theft, which he says will have positive societal outcomes.
'It increases the database for the potential of matches between those samples,' Jenkins explained, which he said can increase the number of case closures. He also said it can help determine if someone was not at the scene of a crime.
'It's possible to say, 'We suspected it was this person, but when we got their DNA swab, they end up being not involved in that specific offense,' ' Jenkins said. He added that, like fingerprinting, DNA swabs are now more routinely included as a part of the arrest process.
In its first week of use, troopers obtained a blood sample from an ATM tampering case, which, in less than two hours, was compared to a DNA database using the machine. This resulted in an investigative lead.
The initiative is part of Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration's aim to ensure law enforcement is well-equipped, well-funded and well-trained, the news release said.
'This program represents significant advancements in our forensic capabilities,' said Col. Christopher Paris, state police commissioner. 'Rapid DNA analysis can expedite the development of investigative leads, assist in suspect identification, and help exclude individuals with greater speed. Aside from investigative efficiency, this technology provides accuracy, fairness, and better outcomes for the communities we serve.'
In addition to the Rapid DNA program, Shapiro's 2025-2026 budget called for elimination of the statutory cap on the state police complement — which limits the number of troopers who can work — and included $16 million to cover costs for four new cadet classes, which would train 400 more troopers.
