Forensic Technology Advancement and Replacement Project

The San Diego County Sheriff's (Sheriff's) Department Regional Crime Laboratory (Crime Lab) proposes to implement the Bryne Discretionary Community Project Grant to purchase and validate Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology for use in DNA analysis and generation of Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) profiles. Grant funding totaling $760,000 will be used to purchase a MiSeq FGx instrument including a dedicated server ($255K), as well as outsourcing validations for Kintelligence and MainstAY typing kits ($475K) and one year of service and maintenance ($30K).

The Sheriff's Cold Case Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Crime Lab have been using Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) to investigate cold cases for the last 3.5 years. Currently, DNA extracts from previously examined cold cases are evaluated by a DNA analyst for its likely development of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profile for FIGG. Once a case is selected, DNA extracts are shipped to a third party that develops a SNP profile used in constructing a family tree. Using Verogen's ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit the Crime Lab will be able to leverage this technology to perform the DNA analysis in house to aid in investigations of cold cases in a timelier, cost effective, and efficient manner The Forensic Biology Unit estimates there are over 300 unsolved sexual assault cases since 2018 which may benefit from NGS.