While nearby jurisdictions face criticism and controversy over growing backlogs for DNA testing, the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Forensic Science Services Division has received recognition with a 2009 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. The Award honors the effort that processes violent crime evidence without a backlog despite increasing numbers of requests and no increase in staff.

The award had not been reported in the press but a case in the news this week spotlights the importance of the work done by the Forensic Sciences Divison. An emergency room worker at Mission Hospital was arrested and charged with the rape of a patient.  The DNA sample was taken from the suspect just one week before the DNA test was completed and the subsequent investigation resulted in the suspect's arrest.

To see the Orange County Register's story on the case click here.

The National Association of Counties selected the Orange County DNA program for it's award based on the following representation:

While the DNA unit of OCSD-FSS has been successfully operating for many years and is well respected in the forensic community, OCSD-FSS anticipated and responded to the challenge of processing more cases and answered the rapidly increasing needs of the criminal justice community. The DNA Case Management System improved the efficiency and quality of all DNA evidence handling and processing in Orange County, California. OCSD-FSS serves over 100 police agencies in the County, several contract law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties, and other state and federal agencies. By improving case productivity, decreasing case turn-around time, and improving quality with minimal cost impact to the County of Orange, DNA technology can be utilized in as many cases as possible, directly and positively impacting the safety of the citizens of Orange County. OCSD-FSS is proud to be nominated for a 2009 Achievement Award.

To read the full entry for the award click: National Association of Counties 2009 Application DNA Case Management.pdf (236.19 kb)

The National Association of Counties also honored the Department's T.A.G.R.S. program this year. To see the Blog story on that award click: http://blog.ocsd.org/post/2009/06/11/TAGRS-Wins-Award2c-Now-Linked-to-Lake-Elsinore.aspx