Bucks County Sheriff (Credit: Bucks County Sheriff)
Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran last month commended the Pennsylvania State Police on the initiation of their statewide Rapid DNA program, calling it a significant advancement for law enforcement and public safety across the Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania State Police announced the deployment of 15 automated genetic analyzers to troops statewide, a move designed to dramatically speed up the processing of DNA samples and generate investigative leads in as little as 90 minutes.
"Having championed and implemented rapid DNA technology during my time in Bensalem Township and brought that emphasis here to the Sheriff’s Office, I know firsthand the immense power this tool holds in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims," said Harran on May 17. "This statewide rollout by the Pennsylvania State Police is a tremendous stride forward for law enforcement in the Commonwealth and will undoubtedly enhance our collective ability to keep communities safe."
Harran was instrumental in establishing one of the nation's first 24/7 operational Rapid DNA programs in a local police station while serving in Bensalem as Director of Public Safety. That program demonstrated the technology's effectiveness in quickly linking suspects to other crimes, clearing the innocent, and providing critical investigative information in real-time.
Currently, Bucks County has three rapid DNA machines – two of which were acquired through funding from the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.
"Faster DNA analysis means faster answers for victims and their families. It means law enforcement can identify suspects or exclude individuals with unprecedented speed, making investigations more efficient and effective," Harran said. "Bucks County has benefited from proactive use of technology in law enforcement. Seeing the State Police embrace rapid DNA on a broad scale is incredibly encouraging and highlights a commitment to a unified approach strengthens our entire law enforcement community's ability to combat crime."
Pennsylvania State Police note that the technology demonstrated its value in its first week of deployment when troopers obtained a blood sample from an ATM tampering case. The sample was compared to a DNA database, and in less than two hours, investigators received a notification identifying an investigative lead.
About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office:
Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran, with over 38 years of law enforcement experience, directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff's sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with the 39 local police departments and state/federal agencies operating within Bucks County. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit buckscounty.gov/sheriff
