New York City’s DNA Gun Crimes Unit is now the fastest big city lab for testing and analyzing gun crimes evidence. Formed just one year ago as the only such lab in the nation, the unit has reduced the turnaround time for such analysis from 60 days—which was already better than 90% of jurisdictions—to an unprecedented 30 days or less.
In May, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner achieved a 28-day turnaround testing time for DNA testing of gun crime evidence.
On June 30, 2022, NYC mayor Eric Adams and NYC Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham announced the formation of the specialized unit. Now, almost a year to the day later, the team has delivered on its promise to reduce turnaround times for gun crimes by half.
Graham attributed the speed to the onboarding of 24 new forensic scientists, 12 of which were hired and trained after the formation of the unit (added to the 38 existing staff members). A portion of the initial $2.5 million investment also went toward upgrading technologies and equipment in the lab.
“But, [the increase is] primarily because of the people,” said Graham.
First deputy police commissioner Edward Caban agrees with Graham,
“With this investment in science and staffing, the team at the DNA Gun Crimes laboratory are posting results that exceed every expectation,” Caban said during a press conference Monday. “This means swift enhancements for gun cases, stronger prosecutions and ultimately a safer NYC for everyone.”
The press conference comes toward the end of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. So far this year, NYC shooting incidents are down 25%, according to Caban. That means roughly 170 fewer people have been shot this year compared with last year.
“There are many rivers that feed the stem of violence. We damned one of those rivers by giving [OCME] tools that they needed,” said Adams.
About 3,300 guns from crimes have been sent to the DNA Gun Crimes Unit, and most of them have already been tested, according to Graham.
“Those involved in gun crimes cases are being brought to justice faster,” said Adams. “We are getting more guns off the street faster. We are saying to those who commit gun crimes, evidence does not lie. Science is coming for you faster than ever.”