The value of forensic DNA leads in preventing crime and eliminating the innocent

The value of an investigative lead corresponds directly to the increase of the speed at which that lead is provided. A cost-benefit model using sexual assault cases demonstrates the preventative savings of quicker forensic DNA analytical response times by calculating the cost of additional crime committed while cases sit awaiting analysis to commence. Calculations are provided per analyst day and with estimated U.S. nationwide impacts. With the elimination of the awaiting analysis backlog, crimes could be prevented, as well as justice better served to those wrongfully suspected. A case study demonstrates the value of timely forensic DNA analysis for sexual assault cases. A wrongfully accused individual identified by eyewitness testimony was eliminated by forensic analysis, while a very similar appearing recidivist perpetrator was included in a subsequent DNA comparison.