Rapid DNA Tests Revolutionize Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Crime Fighting Efforts

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has recently introduced a new system that allows for quicker results from DNA tests on people arrested for serious crimes, such as felonies. The Sheriff’s Office now has the ability to quickly process DNA samples on individuals brought in for felony charges using a mouth swab and a new Rapid DNA machine.

According to News 6 partner News4JAX, Sara Radford, a detention deputy at Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, explained that once an individual is brought into the facility, fingerprints are taken and if there is a felony charge, DNA can be collected using the Rapid DNA machine. Traditionally, DNA samples would be mailed off and take months to process. But with the new machine in place, results can come back in as little as 90 minutes.

Flagler County was one of 11 county jails to receive a Rapid DNA Pilot Program Grant to obtain the machine. When the deputy takes the DNA sample, it is put into the machine which searches a database for any connections to a case of concern. If a match is found, the investigating agency is notified and contacted by the deputy in Flagler County.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly highlighted the importance of this new technology in reducing backlogs at Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). By quickly matching DNA samples, chances of jail inmates being released before facing potential charges in other cases are minimized. Staly emphasized that rapid DNA matches could have a significant impact in solving cold cases or identifying unknown suspects.

Clay County is also among the 11 counties that received grant for Rapid DNA machine and has already implemented this technology earlier this month. Law enforcement officials see this new system as gamechanger in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.