Rapid DNA System

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, hereinafter referred to as WCSO, is located in Bellingham, WA, in the northwestern most part of WA State.  Its jurisdiction is bordered to the north by British Columbia, Canada, and serves approximately 235,000 citizens while covering roughly 2,500 square miles.  In addition to the citizens living in the county, WCSO regularly facilitates several small towns with few resources, while also accommodating thousands of Canadian tourists and citizens who visit, live, and drive through the area annually.  

WCSO is in desperate need of technological assistance.  For example, WCSO currently has no forensic unit and relies heavily on other agencies and the local Homeland Security Office for assistance in processing/retrieving phone data.  The purchase of a Rapid DNA machine would allow WCSO to implement an investigative leads program in collaboration not only with the Washington State Patrol crime lab, but the other law enforcement agencies in Whatcom County as well.  For example, the Bellingham Police Department partners with WCSO on a regular basis.  The Rapid DNA would allow the two biggest police agencies, as well as those resource lacking smaller agencies mentioned above, in the county to utilize the same machine and build up a large data base in an area that lacks such a critical resource.  The property crimes in the region, like so many others in the United States, has risen exponentially and to which no agencies in this county presently dedicate a single investigator.  The Rapid DNA would be critical in both identifying and eliminating suspects; generating timely investigative leads; and helping to build cases against criminals who flock to our region for the sole purpose of stealing property and violating citizens.  

This program will purchase a Rapid DNA system with the necessary equipment, maintenance, and technician to respond when necessary.  It will implement best practices and policies/procedures that adhere to Rapid DNA considerations; integrate gathered information to a secure network; and provide the resources needed to supporting and participating agencies in an attempt to ensure a high-quality program.  Finally, the implementation of a Rapid DNA program in Whatcom County will remove some of the burden on the Washington State Patrol crime lab, which will ultimately benefit the residents of Whatcom County, the surrounding region, and the residents of Washington State as a whole.