By KRWG News
New Mexico – The Department of Public Safety says it plans to speed up the availability to law enforcement of DNA information about crime suspects by taking over DNA analysis for a statewide database.
The department announced Thursday it will take responsibility for the processing of DNA tests and entering the information into a statewide database. Currently, an Albuquerque police crime lab has performed the work for the state's DNA Administrative Center.
The department estimates it will save money and take about two weeks for its laboratory to analyze DNA samples and put the information into the computerized database. That's four to six weeks faster than what's happening now with the database.
Law enforcement can check the database to help identify criminal suspects.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.