This article is based on interviews with two experienced professionals in the field of Rapid DNA technology:

– Fred Harran, Sheriff of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. With more than 35 years in law enforcement, including 16 years as Chief of Police in Bensalem Township, Sheriff Harran has been a national leader in implementing DNA testing, including Rapid DNA, as a core part of criminal investigations. Bucks County has utilized Rapid DNA technology since 2017 and has seen a significant reduction in crime as a result.

Bucks County currently has three rapid DNA machines. Harran. Sheriff Fred Harran leveraged his extensive experience with rapid DNA from when he led the Bensalem Township to introduce advanced forensic technology into Bucks County. His efforts reflect a commitment to employing powerful innovations that enhance crime-solving capabilities and support justice for victims.

 

 

 

– Lauren Schellberg, Consultant at GTH DNA. Lauren collaborates with law enforcement agencies nationwide to implement Rapid DNA programs and secure federal funding. She oversees educational outreach, program development, and grant assistance and also runs the resource hub GoRapidDNA.com.
Introduction

In recent years, Rapid DNA technology has emerged as one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. This innovation enables the generation of DNA profiles in under two hours, offering agencies a fast and reliable method for identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and closing cases more quickly than ever before. With Rapid DNA, officers are no longer at the mercy of overwhelmed state crime labs and lengthy delays. This technology not only speeds up the investigation process but also enhances public safety by enabling law enforcement agencies to solve more crimes and prevent repeat offenses. From big cities to suburban towns, Rapid DNA is reshaping what is possible in modern policing.

What is DNA’s Role in Law Enforcement?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as a unique biological fingerprint for each individual, making it an invaluable tool in forensic science. In law enforcement, DNA is typically collected from sources like blood, saliva, skin cells, or hair found at crime scenes. This evidence can be matched to individuals to confirm or disprove their presence at the scene. Initially, DNA testing was reserved for the most serious crimes due to limited resources and long processing times. However, with technological improvements, many agencies now use DNA analysis for a wide range of investigations, including burglary, auto theft, and drug offenses. The ability to link suspects to multiple crimes or exclude innocent individuals has transformed the investigative landscape. In many ways, DNA has replaced fingerprinting as the gold standard for forensic identification.

The Evolution of DNA Use in Policing

The evolution of DNA use in criminal investigations began in the late 1980s and was formalized with the creation of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in 1998. CODIS integrates local (LDIS), state (SDIS), and national (NDIS) databases, providing a centralized system for matching DNA profiles across jurisdictions. In the early days, law enforcement agencies had limited access to DNA testing, often relying on overburdened state labs. This meant that only the most severe cases, like homicide and sexual assault, were prioritized for DNA analysis. Property crimes and less violent offenses often went untested.

In response to these challenges, some forward-thinking agencies began partnering with private labs and building their own local databases. One such example is Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which started its local DNA initiative in 2010. By collecting DNA consensually from individuals arrested for a variety of offenses, they were able to populate a robust local database that now contains over 70,000 profiles. This innovation allowed them to generate ‘blind hits’—unexpected matches between collected samples and unsolved crimes—significantly improving clearance rates.

Misconceptions About DNA in Criminal Justice

Despite its reliability, DNA technology is often misunderstood by the public. One common misconception is that DNA analysis reveals deeply personal information, such as ancestry, medical history, or genetic traits. In reality, forensic DNA testing only examines specific markers used for identification—it does not reveal any health data, ethnic background, or behavioral tendencies. Law enforcement agencies use what is often referred to as ‘junk DNA’—regions of the genome that are non-coding and utilized solely for matching purposes.

Another misconception is that DNA is always available and always tested in every case. In truth, budgetary constraints, laboratory backlogs, and legal limitations prevent universal testing. Additionally, DNA is only collected when legally permissible—typically with a suspect’s consent or under a search warrant. Concerns about misuse are addressed through strict protocols and consent processes that ensure individuals understand their rights and how the DNA will be used.

What is Rapid DNA?

Rapid DNA refers to the fully automated process of developing a DNA profile from a cheek swab in approximately 90 minutes without the need for a trained scientist. This is accomplished using compact, user-friendly devices designed for deployment in police departments and booking stations. Traditionally, obtaining DNA results required sending samples to state labs, where they might wait weeks or even months for processing. With Rapid DNA, officers can receive results in real-time—often while the suspect is still in custody—dramatically improving the efficiency of investigations.

This technological leap is already having a measurable impact. For example, in jurisdictions that use Rapid DNA, it is now possible to identify suspects linked to multiple crimes before they are released on bail. This not only improves clearance rates but also prevents additional crimes by serial offenders. It’s a significant step forward in community safety and a powerful tool for proactive policing.

How Rapid DNA Works

The Rapid DNA process begins when a suspect, victim, or evidence sample is swabbed using a sterile collection kit. In most cases, law enforcement officers obtain the DNA sample through voluntary consent. The swab is then inserted into a disposable cartridge, which is loaded into the Rapid DNA instrument. The device extracts the DNA, amplifies it using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and generates a DNA profile within 90 minutes.

This profile can then be compared to existing databases—either local or, in some cases, state and national systems. If there is a match, it serves as an investigative lead. While the results of Rapid DNA are not typically admissible in court without laboratory confirmation, they provide actionable information to guide detectives, support search warrants, or prompt confessions. Agencies often follow a dual-swab procedure: one swab is used for Rapid DNA testing, and the second is sent to an accredited laboratory for verification and possible use in court.

Integration with National and Local Databases

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the FBI’s decision to permit Rapid DNA profiles to be incorporated into CODIS—the national DNA database—under strict guidelines. This means that agencies with approved procedures and partnerships with accredited labs can now search their Rapid DNA results against the federal database. This dramatically expands the reach and utility of Rapid DNA technology, allowing agencies to solve cases across jurisdictions.

In the meantime, many jurisdictions have successfully developed their own local DNA databases. For instance, Bucks County has created its own repository of DNA profiles from individuals who were arrested with their consent. This local database has helped investigators make connections between seemingly unrelated crimes. Blind hits—where no suspect was previously identified—are especially valuable, as they allow officers to reopen cold cases or link new arrests to unsolved offenses.

Cost, Funding, and Equipment

Purchasing a Rapid DNA system involves several key components: the machine itself, consumables (such as sample cartridges), software, and support services from accredited laboratories. Each test run typically costs between $150 and $300 in consumables. To help agencies fund these programs, federal earmarks have become the primary source of support. More than 50 agencies have already received funding through this method.

To apply for an earmark, agencies prepare a brief application of 1–3 pages and submit it via their congressional representative’s portal. They must also provide at least three letters of community support—often from local prosecutors, victim advocacy organizations, or nearby agencies. Agencies with more than 100 sworn officers are given higher priority, although smaller departments can form regional collaborations to strengthen their applications. The funding covers up to three years, including startup costs and consumables. After that period, agencies may reapply or continue using internal funds.

Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Rapid DNA

Rapid DNA has helped solve a wide range of cases across various jurisdictions. In one high-profile homicide, investigators found a small amount of blood in a barn. Rapid DNA identified the victim from that sample, helping to locate a shallow grave where the bodies of four murder victims were buried. The technology provided critical evidence that led to the suspect’s arrest and eventual confession.

In another case, a string of pizza shop burglaries was solved when a female suspect cut herself during a break-in. Her DNA was collected and linked to over a dozen similar cases. In drug-related investigations, DNA found on packaging—such as vials or plastic bags—has tied suspects to narcotics despite claims of innocence. These real-world examples demonstrate how Rapid DNA can be used in both violent and non-violent crimes, improving efficiency and ensuring justice is served.

Conclusion

Rapid DNA is not just a technological upgrade—it represents a cultural shift in how law enforcement approaches criminal investigations. By making DNA analysis accessible, fast, and accurate, it empowers agencies to act on solid scientific evidence, reduce reliance on unreliable witness accounts, and ensure due process. Most importantly, it helps protect the public by identifying perpetrators quickly and accurately while also safeguarding the innocent.

For agencies seeking to modernize their operations and improve investigative outcomes, Rapid DNA provides a compelling solution. With federal funding available, support from experienced organizations, and proven success in the field, the time to explore Rapid DNA is now.

Contact for Funding Assistance

Agencies interested in pursuing Rapid DNA funding or guidance through the earmark process can contact:

Lauren Schellberg
Government Solutions Consultant, GTH DNA
Lschellberg@gth-gov.com
www.gorapiddna.com

Lauren and the GTH DNA team provide full-service support, including preparing community support letters, tracking funding portals, and assisting agencies in managing the entire application process from start to finish.