America


The DNA A BY CAROLE MOORE


revolutionary new method of analyzing DNA — “rapid DNA” — that is much faster than previous


methods could help police keep crimi- nals off the streets and may save thou- sands of lives, police say. But privacy advocates warn rapid


DNA could also infringe on the pri- vacy rights of innocent citizens. The new technology reduces the time it takes to analyze a DNA sample to less than 90 minutes — and develop-


22 NEWSMAX | MAY 2013


Revolution


A new test — dubbed rapid DNA — could transform crime and punishment.


ers are shooting for an even quicker testing time. Police can conduct the DNA testing right in the station book- ing area while the suspect is still in handcuff s without having to send it out to a lab.


If police match a suspect’s DNA to


a rape or murder case already on fi le, they would have the probable cause they need to keep the arrested person behind bars. This would keep a thug from posting bond and getting back out on the streets to commit another violent crime — a tragically common


THEN AND NOW DNA tests have always come from accredited labs, but a backlog impedes investigations. Rapid DNA — in a printer-size device — takes much less time.


occurrence in today’s criminal justice system, law offi cers say. Rapid DNA uses machines about


the size of a laser printer called analyz- ers. These devices, which can be oper- ated by non-scientists, have the ability to analyze DNA in record time. Each test currently costs about $300. Supporters of the technology say it could revolutionize law enforcement.


LAB/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES / RAPIDHIT/COURTESY OF INTEGENX


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