FDLE: We need $5.2 million more for DNA work

Orlando Sentinel
The state agency that analyzes most of the DNA evidence introduced in Florida courts is about to be inundated with thousands of DNA samples and will need $5.2 million to handle it, Florida Department of Law Enforcement managers said Monday.

NIJ seeks proposals for funding for the FY 2012 DNA Backlog Reduction Program.

This program provides funding to States and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples, and to increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis.
Application Deadline: April 23, 2012 11:59 PM eastern time.

74 crimes tied to prisoner DNA collections

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State Police has linked 74 crimes to 61 state prisoners following analysis of DNA samples collected by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Investigators using ‘touch DNA’ to solve property crimes

Houston Chronicle
…For the last few years, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences aided area law enforcement in solving property crimes by testing evidence for “touch DNA” – microscopic skin cells containing DNA that naturally rub off when an object, like a car steering wheel, is touched. The technology can be used even if the suspect is wearing gloves because there’s a high likelihood the skin cells were transferred onto the gloves when the perpetrator was slipping them on…

Kashmir court seeks DNA profiling status on unmarked graves

Hindustan Times
At a time when Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah pitched for a truth and reconciliation during the ongoing assembly session, the high court has asked the government to submit a report on the status of DNA profiling found in unmarked graves in north Kashmir. High court judge Hasnain Masoodi has asked the government to submit report within two weeks while hearing a petition on Friday

China: 24K Abducted Women, Children Rescued in ’11

ABC News China
Chinese police rescued more than 24,000 abducted women and children across the country last year, the country’s Public Security Ministry said Sunday.

Charlotte receives funds for unsolved sexual assault cases

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP)– A unit within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has received a federal grant of almost $500,000 to give higher priority to unsolved sex crimes and homicides.