Arizona’s latest buy means they’re now at the forefront of forensic science. Back in May 2014, a new DNA testing machine got the green light for fast DNA sample testing. The Rapid Hit 200 brings together several processes to let police get DNA results in just two hours! Before, it could take days or even months. At a price tag of $250,000, the Arizona Department of Public Safety snagged two and they’re planning to grab more, letting crime labs throughout the state use them.
Verification of the machine’s accuracy is important to prevent identified parties from attacking their use. New scientific processes must be tested vigorously in order to be admissible in court. Since the verification, the machine has successfully been used in the identification of a vehicular homicide suspect.
One benefit to this machine is the ability of police to arrest guilty parties faster. Faster results will allow police to get criminals off the street faster and possibly save some victims. The head of the Arizona Department of Public Service says that the new machine is a great tool for law enforcement and can help keep the public safer.
Arizona is the first state to have one for use in their crime lab and only a few machines are in use in the whole country.