Hernando Co. Sheriff’s Office using Rapid DNA to solve cases faster

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is trying something new in the fight against crime.

For almost a year they have been using Rapid DNA, which they said can help them solve cases much faster.

This technology has been a game changer for the sheriff’s office. Instead of waiting weeks — or months — for a hit on DNA, they are only waiting 90 minutes.

“In about an hour and a half, we’re able to find out if they’re wanted somewhere in the country for a serious crime. Then, less serious crimes it takes less than 24 hours to go through those,” said Sheriff Al Nienhuis.

This machine tests DNA and enters it into the national database, called CODIS, to see if that person is wanted for a serious crime.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis said using this system eliminates the need to have the Florida Department of Law Enforcement test the sample for them.

“If somebody does bail out and they commit a crime within the next several weeks, their DNA is already in the system. So, they can be identified almost immediately,” said the Sheriff.

This Rapid DNA is used for people who come in on a felony offense, or if someone is here illegally and gets arrested.

Deputies collect the DNA on a swab and put it in the cartridge that goes into the machine.

“In those 90 minutes, obviously it’s looking for those specialty crimes. So, our kidnapping, homicide, act of terrorism, or sex crimes,” said Lieutenant Justin Beetz.

The Sheriff’s Office has had hundreds of successful entries into the system.

Administrative Lieutenant Justin Beetz has been very involved in using the system and said this is a way they can hold people accountable faster.

“They can go to sleep knowing that we’re always looking, the Sheriff is always looking, for new technology in order to make their lives a little safer,” he said.

The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t plan on stopping here with this technology. Their next step is to use it with evidence at crime scenes.

The Sheriff said he hopes to do this in the next few years.

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