Rapid DNA
Rapid DNA is technology that allows for the multiple steps of DNA analysis to be consolidated in a single instrument and performed very quickly (within 2 hours). The Department of Public Safety was the first state agency to bring Rapid DNA analysis online as a law enforcement program where officers and crime scene technicians are trained in the use of the Rapid instrumentation. These Rapid operators can then run select types of crime scene samples outside of the laboratory in order to develop investigative leads more quickly than possible through normal crime laboratory analysis.
The Scientific Analysis Bureau provides training and support for this statewide Rapid DNA program through the Central laboratory. Currently, there are Rapid instrument sites at the Central and Southern labs and Rapid DNA Law Enforcement Partner Sites at Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, Pinal County Sheriff's Office, and Cochise County Sheriff's Office. with expansion plans in 2023 to locate additional Rapid instrument sites at the Northern and Western labs.
Media Links - Arizona Rapid DNA Law Enforcement Program
2022
- Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Press Release
- Yuma County Sheriff's Office Press Release
- KAWC radio report on Yuma County Rapid program launch
- KYMA Channel 11 new report on Yuma County Rapid program launch
2020
2019
2018
2015
- Report on AZDPS as first NDIS lab to upload samples to CODIS using Rapid DNA
- Article from Tucson.com on use of Rapid DNA program by Tucson Police Department
- Article from Tucson.com on arrest of Foothills burglar
2014
- KTAR news story on launch of Arizona Rapid DNA Law Enforcement Program
- AZCentral article on first sexual assault case using Rapid in Arizona