The maricopa countysheriffs office (MCSO) would like to purchase two (2) rapid DNA instruments that have changed the way weprocess DNA samples from crime scenes, initiate criminal investigations and…

The maricopa countysheriffs office (MCSO) would like to purchase two (2) rapid DNA instruments that have changed the way weprocess DNA samples from crime scenes, initiate criminal investigations and streamline limited resources. MCSO hasbeen using rapid DNA since 2016 and purchased one instrument in february 2021. Two (2) additional instrumentsare needed to run multiple DNA samples at a time to streamline our labs efficiency, possibly obtaining investigativelead information before crime scene processing is complete. These additions would assist in establishing a regionalsystem. We envision this technology to be a critical tool to reform our department, save time and keep maricopacounty safe. The instrument allows our analysts to process DNA samples themselves with minimal additionaltraining. These samples are processed quickly and can generate investigative leads in 90 minutes as opposed to themany 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 theguidelines published by the arizona department of public safety and FBI. We are excited to expand this project andbelieve we will see significant value in reducing single-source DNA analysis, solving crimes, and exonerating innocentsuspects using this technology.