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Police Departments In Bucks County Launch DNA Database

Ted S. Warren
/
AP Photo

 

When Pennsylvania police try to solve a crime using DNA evidence, they have to wait for results from a state database. That can take between nine and 18 months, says Fred Harran, director of public safety for the Bensalem Township Police Department and vice president of the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association.

To speed things up, the 40 police departments in Bucks County have banded together to create a county-wide DNA database that provides results within 30 days.

Read the full version of this reportat Keystone Crossroads' websiteKeystone Crossroads is a new statewide public media initiative reporting on the challenges facing Pennsylvania's cities. WPSU is a participating station.

Marielle Segarra was WHYY's Keystone Crossroads reporter. She reported for the multi-station partnership on urban policy, crumbling infrastructure and how distressed Pennsylvania cities are bouncing back. As a freelance radio reporter, her stories have also aired on Latino USA, WNYC, WBUR and other NPR member stations.