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DNA Evidence: Probative Value and Prioritization
Communicating With the Prosecutor
Outsourcing Considerations
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Evidence Retention Policies
Best Practices for Handling “Cold Hits”
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Resources, Guides and Best Practices

Best Practices for Handling “Cold Hits”

Law Enforcement Response to Cold Case Hits

map of the United States with California hightlighted and overlayed with the seal of the California Office of the Attorney General.

In September 2009, the California Department of Justice (CALDOJ), Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) launched a pilot project: the Cold Hit Outcome Project (CHOP). CHOP tracks cold hit outcomes in cases using DNA samples that can be profiled and searched against local, state and national DNA databases and offender databanks. CHOP allows California to track individual cases from a “cold hit” on DOJ’s DNA database to the final outcome of an investigation and prosecution by local law enforcement.^19,20

This is one very good example of a mechanism to effectively track cold hits.

Visit the Cold Hit Outcome Project Website »

¹⁹ Cold Hit Outcome Project Website »
²⁰ Congressman Adam Schiff: Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 »

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