Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Megan Larson, 612-919-5918
December 5, 2024 (Minneapolis) - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to share that our Forensic Science Laboratory DNA section is now fully operational, all thanks to the dedication, hard work, and diligence of the forensic scientists and quality assurance team. The lab halted DNA testing and analysis after identifying a DNA profile in a control sample. The team of experts spent many weeks reviewing tens of thousands of samples, investigating the source of the added DNA profile, eliminating the product from use, and bringing in a new product to continue operations. This DNA profile has been found in labs nationwide – and even globally – and it was our experts who made the identification and notifications. This is a testament to their commitment to science and dedication to the forensic science profession.
Through their thorough investigation, the forensic scientists traced the unknown DNA profile back to a plastic plate supplied by a third-party vendor who supplies products to labs throughout the state, country, and worldwide. The forensic scientists have completed testing on the replacement product and with that step complete, the lab is now able to resume DNA testing and analysis.
“The knowledge and expertise that these forensic scientists bring to Hennepin County and the criminal justice system, at large, is invaluable,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County. “We are fortunate to have them working cases for our County.”
The risk of contamination in a DNA laboratory is low, but it is not scientifically possible to eliminate it altogether. This is the reason scientists use control samples in the testing process in the first place, along with numerous other procedures and policies to ensure the quality, integrity, and reliability of forensic testing.
Since halting DNA analysis, the forensic scientists reviewed over 50,000 samples from previously conducted casework to narrow down the impact. Our forensic scientists have recommended fewer than 10 cases for retesting. At this point, the laboratory has not been requested to perform any retesting.
The forensic scientists working at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Lab have over 75 years of combined experience and the lab is an ANAB ISO 17025 internationally accredited laboratory with strict requirements and rules to maintain that accreditation.
For more information, visit HennepinSheriff.org.
About the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office:
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is charged with keeping and preserving the peace in Hennepin County, the most populated county in Minnesota with nearly 1.3 million residents. The HCSO’s full strength is approximately 900 employees and is comprised of six bureaus: Public Safety Services, Investigations, Administrative Services, Public Affairs, Court and Field Services, and Detention Services. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is a proactive organization that participates in and hosts community programs to promote positive interactions with law enforcement.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, who was sworn in on January 3, 2023.
– HCSO–
Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office website at hennepinsheriff.org.
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