Rhetorical Precis of "Beyond the Cold Hit: Measuring the Impact of the National DNA Data Bank"

In "Beyond the Cold Hit: Measuring the Impact of the National DNA Data Bank on Public Safety at the City and County Level" Matthew Gabriel et. al assert that by utilizing the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) many "cold hits" are provided by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes to offenders residing in CODIS. Gabriel et. al support their claim by showing that the DNA testing in property crimes, “best evidence” items left at residential and commercial burglaries in San Francisco are subjected to streamlined DNA testing. To date, nearly 75 cases have been analyzed, resulting in 58 CODIS eligible DNA profiles and 42 cold hits (a 72% hit rate). The writers soon suggest the effectiveness of CODIS, citing the overburdened police investigators and understaffed DNA laboratories, are unable to address the increased caseloads. Gabriel et. al seem to have a supportive tone towards using CODIS by providing the success rate of all DNA matches in a wide variety of crimes. They seem to keep their audience in mind by showing the success of using CODIS however, they point out how the backlog for CODIS is substantially long resulting in hardened criminals walking the streets.

 

Gabriel, Matthew, Cherisse Boland, and Cydne Holt. "Beyond The Cold Hit: Measuring The Impact Of The National DNA Data Bank On Public Safety At The City And County Level." Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 38.2 (2010): 396-411. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.