DNA Legal Training and Technical Assistance Unit: Final Report

APRI's DNA Legal Assistance Unit has enhanced prosecutors' use of DNA evidence in several ways. From a broad-based training perspective, the Unit has begun to establish a basic level of competence and confidence in the use of forensic DNA by prosecutors throughout the country. Three national training programs, more than 10 State and local training programs, and presentations incorporated into Violence-Against-Women-Act funded conferences have resulted in educating more than 500 prosecutors from more than 45 States in the science and presentation of DNA evidence. On a daily basis the Unit has become a resource for hundreds of prosecutors to access referrals to experts all over the Nation, immediate information on defense experts, written resource materials, and advice on trial strategies. To date, the Unit has responded to more than 400 requests for technical assistance. APRI's DNA Legal Assistance Unit, established through the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance grant, has been successful in meeting the needs of prosecutors, investigators, and DNA analysts.