APD Lab Will Be First in New Mexico to Utilize New DNA Analysis Technology
January 29, 2020
Mayor Tim Keller highlighted legislative investments that helped the Albuquerque Police Department buy new DNA analysis equipment.
“We will not stand for delays in solving crimes,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This new technology allows us to receive lab results faster and better. It also frees up time and money at the state lab for them to assist other agencies throughout the state.”
The STRmix computer software helps forensic scientists interpret DNA profiles in criminal investigations. APD can currently analyze a DNA sample that comes from just one person. But the process is more complicated when a profile is mixed, comes from more than one person, is available in small amounts, or it is aged or degraded. The new program will allow APD to conduct the analysis at its own Crime Lab in minutes and help determine the strength of evidence, rather than outsourcing the sample. More information about the STRmix is available here.
RAPID DNA enables single-source profiles to be interpreted in 90 minutes from start to finish, which will help in the field during a mass-casualty scene to generate investigative leads or identify victims more quickly. APD’s Crime Lab will be the first lab in the state to utilize this technology in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
APD is also implementing new DNA equipment. The ThermoFisher 3500 will improve the processing and efficiency of the DNA section.
APD has started the procurement process to obtain these items and have them in place by the mid to late summer.
Mayor Keller would like to thank State Senator Candace Gould, State Senator Linda Lopez, State Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, State Senator Bill Tallman, State Representative Joy Garratt, State Representative Natalie Figueroa, State Representative Gregg Schmedes, State Representative Dayan Hochman-Vigil, State Representative Javier Martinez, State Representative G. Andres Romero, State Representative Elizabeth Thomson, State Representative Gail Chasey, State Representative Melanie A. Stansbury and State Representaive Patricio Ruiloba for funding the entire $1.3 million project.