Expansion of DNA Databases to Assist with Sexual Assaults Investigations and Prosecutions

Proposal Abstract: 

The mission of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is to ensure the safety and security of all Arkansans. A census was conducted of individuals that have a qualifying charge for the collection of DNA, and 42,000 individuals were identified as not having provided a lawfully owed DNA sample, 2,800 of which are directly related to sexual offenses. The State of Arkansas has enacted statutes that direct the collection, submission, and processing of these lawfully owed samples.

Project Purpose:

The purpose of the “FY 2022 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Purpose Area 3:  Expansion of DNA databases to Assist with Sexual Assault Investigations and Prosecutions: Collection of Lawfully Owed DNA from Convicted Offenders and Arrestee DNA Collections” grant is to develop a multi-disciplinary team to collect lawfully owed DNA, particularly from sex offenders and persons with felony sex offense arrests and/or convictions who have yet to submit their DNA for entry into CODIS. 

Goal: To expand the DNA database with lawfully owed DNA samples and identify perpetrators of unsolved sexual assault cases bringing justice to survivors of sexual assault.

Primary Activities:

Create a SAKI- Convicted Person’s DNA Collection Coordinator to manage grant funded project activities.
Develop a multi-disciplinary task force for the collection of lawfully owed DNA samples.
Enhance the Sample Tracking and Collection Software (STACS) for tracking the collection and receipt of lawfully owed DNA samples.
Collect samples from convicted offenders and arrestees that have not been previously collected for processing and upload into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).  

Expected Outcome:

By collecting these lawfully owed DNA samples, perpetrators will be identified in unsolved cases by the analysis and searching of DNA profiles in the CODIS database, state and national levels.  
Enhancements to the software will prevent future non-compliance with collecting lawfully owed DNA samples per state statute.

Service Area:

All 75 counties in the State of Arkansas.