Rapid DNA Enhancement Project

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) would like to purchase two (2) Rapid DNA instruments that have changed the way we process DNA samples from crime scenes, initiate criminal investigations and streamline limited resources.

MCSO has been using Rapid DNA since 2016 and purchased one instrument in February 2021. Two (2) additional instruments are needed to run multiple DNA samples at a time to streamline our labs efficiency, possibly obtaining investigative lead information before crime scene processing is complete. These additions would assist in establishing a regional system. We envision this technology to be a critical tool to reform our department, save time and keep Maricopa County safe. The instrument allows our analysts to process DNA samples themselves with minimal additional training. These samples are processed quickly and can generate investigative leads in 90 minutes as opposed to the many months it can take our state lab due to backlogs and higher priority casework. Rapid DNA technology was developed under FBI guidance to process single-source DNA samples. We have and we will continue to follow the guidelines published by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and FBI. We are excited to expand this project and believe we will see significant value in reducing single-source DNA analysis, solving crimes, and exonerating innocent suspects using this technology.