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DFS expands STRmix use, outsources cases to private lab to chip away at forensic biology backlog
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Summary
DFS reported expanded use of STRmix probabilistic genotyping, hiring and training progress across regional labs, robotics rollouts and an outsourcing contract sending at least 600 cases annually to a private vendor to reduce backlog.
DFS staff told the Scientific Advisory Committee they are expanding probabilistic genotyping (STRmix) capacity, training additional biologists and outsourcing lower-priority casework to a private lab to reduce a longtime forensic-biology backlog.
Director Linda Jackson said DFS has sent roughly 600 forensic-biology cases to a contract vendor, BODI of Wharton, Va., to help reduce turnaround times. Brad Jenkins and other biology leaders described regional hiring and training: several scientists are in training in central and western labs, mock trials are scheduled for northern-lab trainees, and a new group focused exclusively on sexual-assault-kit screening is operating in central lab. Jenkins said two recently completed training classes returned examiners to active casework.
Jenkins described automation and validation work: the agency has implemented multiple Biomek i5 robotic workstations across laboratories, with additional units acting as backups and regional validators preparing to bring the instruments online in 2026. DFS is switching thermocyclers (to VertiPRO for casework and ProFlex for mitochondrial DNA) and plans validations for those instruments; a thermocycler validation will be submitted to the SAC biology subcommittee prior to the next SAC meeting.
On mixture interpretation, DFS said it is expanding STRmix capability statewide to cut the number of cases that must be transferred to the central lab or to other vendors; training classes are being scheduled and some staff will receive refresher seats to accommodate both new and experienced examiners. Jenkins described that mitochondrial-DNA staff will not be immediately trained in STRmix because their work focuses on body identification.
Jenkins and Director Jackson noted that space constraints in the central lab may require temporary shared lab or office spaces before the new facility opens. They said the contract with BODI is for at least three years and DFS is evaluating whether additional funding could increase the number of outsourced cases.
