LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas has officially launched Rapid DNA technology in selected detention centers, becoming the third state in the nation to implement this advanced law enforcement tool, according to state officials.
Rapid DNA is an automated process that generates a DNA profile from a qualifying arrestee sample in approximately 90 minutes. During its initial rollout, profiles are uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and initially searched against crime-scene profiles connected to public-safety cases. A broader search against other eligible crime-scene evidence is completed within 24 hours. If a profile matches evidence, both the booking and investigating agencies are promptly notified.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the development, stating, “Arkansas is proud to be the third state in the entire nation to offer Rapid DNA technology to our law enforcement – and excited for the difference this will make in public safety. I’m grateful to all our federal, state, and local partners for their work to support this project and keep Arkansans safe.”
The system was first implemented at the Saline County Detention Center in Benton on September 23, 2026, where personnel began processing eligible DNA samples. Preparations are also underway at the Faulkner County Detention Center in Conway, which is expected to begin operations soon.
Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing the program as a "valuable investigative tool" that conforms to rigorous standards of accuracy, privacy, and oversight. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL), in collaboration with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, conducted extensive training and testing before receiving formal authorization from the FBI in the summer of 2026 to operate the program.
“This is an important law enforcement milestone,” said ASCL Director Dr. Theodore Brown. “Rapid DNA can provide investigators with actionable information in hours rather than weeks or months. That speed can make a meaningful difference, particularly when a person is still in custody, and investigators are working to link unsolved crimes.”
Dr. Brown credited the contributions of key staff members, including forensic scientists Miranda Crawford and Emma Knight, for building the program. He also noted the efforts of Jennifer Beaty-West, Deputy Director of Scientific Operations, whose leadership played a critical role in making the initiative operational. Federal funding and support from technology developers also enabled the deployment of the system at detention facilities.
U.S. Senator John Boozman expressed his support, stating that the investments he helped secure for Faulkner and Saline Counties would allow law enforcement to identify dangerous suspects more efficiently, ultimately enhancing public safety.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office also provided funding to help launch the program. Attorney General Tim Griffin remarked, “The Arkansas Crime Lab continues to be a model of excellence for forensic science across the country. This new technology will significantly enhance the State’s ability to solve crimes and ensure justice is served.”
To maintain the program’s integrity, detention-center personnel participating in Rapid DNA operations are required to undergo specific training and certification. All sites must adhere to state and FBI policies, with DNA samples and related data protected under strict state and federal confidentiality guidelines.
Officials are optimistic about the potential of Rapid DNA technology to improve public safety across Arkansas, while ensuring compliance with privacy and oversight standards.