From 15,000 to near zero: Cuyahoga County’s (OH) eight-year effort to address lawfully “owed” DNA

• In Event: Panel 1: Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault Kits

Abstract

While missed DNA sample collection has been an identified problem for decades, there is limited information on large-scale efforts to address lawfully “owed” DNA (meaning DNA samples that should have been collected from individuals based on the state’s statutes but were not and thus are now “owed”) outside of a prison system. To help address these issues, in 2016, the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative added the collection of lawfully owed DNA as a purpose area for grantees. Cuyahoga County, OH (Cleveland), led by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, was the first grantee. They uncovered widespread DNA sample collection issues, with nearly 15,000 identified as owing DNA over approximately 7 years, representing ~1 in 2 to 1 in 5 felony arrestees during this time period. This presentation is a follow-up study documenting the extensive changes and outcomes of their efforts. Results indicate that in less than 8 years, over 25% of the 15,000 individuals had confirmed to have their DNA in CODIS, numerous crimes had been solved, and .2% of felony probationers had missed DNA collections or ~1 in 5000. Lessons learned and implications for other jurisdictions will be discussed.

Authors

• Rachel Lovell, Cleveland State University

• Mary C. Weston, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office

• Duoduo Huang, Cleveland State University