As crime investigations have become more challenging, law enforcement agencies are looking for advanced technologies such as DNA profiling to increase the efficiency, potential, and value of forensics, thereby shortening the delivery time of results.
The global forensics technologies market is expected to grow at CAGR of 8.34% during the 2014-2019 forecast period. Below are the three most important factors currently fuelling this growth:
Increase in Use of DNA Profiling
The technological advances in DNA profiling such as microchip technologies and miniaturization have enabled forensic analysis and testing of even old, micro, decomposed, degraded DNA samples. These advances have helped identify suspects in rape cases, murders, and other violent crimes as well as proving the innocence of the wrongfully accused.
DNA profiling can be used to identify skeletons or corpses and victims of disasters. Thus, the increase in the importance of DNA profiling has led to the widespread utilization of this technology.
Increase in Efficiency, Potential, and Value of Forensic Science
Forensic technologies have found a central role in criminal investigations and intelligence. It is becoming an essential tool for homeland defense, law enforcement, maintaining social order, justice, and security. Nowadays, court cases are dependent on DNA evidence, terrorism and security threats are being prevented based on digital traces, and identification of perpetrators has become easier through DNA databases.
The increase in efficiency of what forensics can offer for human identification and its potential to find effective solutions during legal proceedings has heightened the value of forensic science, which in turn has increased the demand from traditional customers such as the police force and judiciary of forensics laboratories.
Shortening Delivery Time of Results
The crime rate, technological, and scientific capabilities of laboratories have a significant impact on their caseload. In addition, laboratories are affected by budgetary constraints. The initial backlog was because of an increase in the demand for DNA analysis and limited finance. Therefore, to reduce backlogs and shorten the delivery time of results, laboratories have started effective allocation of cases, redesigning process methods, and increasing productivity at lower costs.
