From 15,000 to near zero: Cuyahoga County's eight-year effort to address lawfully “owed” DNA

Abstract

This study presents the final outcomes of an eight-year, countywide initiative to address “lawfully owed” DNA (LODNA) among individuals who should have had a DNA sample in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) following a qualifying arrest or conviction but did not. Building on prior research in this jurisdiction, this study evaluates the effectiveness of policies and practices in identifying, collecting, and uploading LODNA samples to CODIS. Using a comprehensive list of 14,920 individuals confirmed to have LODNA (“census”), we assessed outcomes, lessons learned, and remaining issues in the DNA sample collection process. By the end of the funded initiative, 25.5% (n = 3802) of “census members” (the 14,920 individuals on our census) were confirmed to be in CODIS, including 641 collected directly through an enacted prosecutor-initiated arraignment policy. DNA sample collection improved substantially over time. Results indicated that missed collections were reduced from an estimated 20–50% prior to the initiative to 2.2% in 2021 (1 in 45) and to 0.2% in 2023 (1 in 455) for probationers—a near-elimination of missed DNA samples. Remaining challenges include deceased individuals and those residing out of state (an estimated 21.5% of those who “owed”), and collection efforts from census members who are registered sex offenders. Findings also document how this jurisdiction achieved such a dramatic reduction in missed DNA samples, highlight lessons learned and recommendations in implementing large-scale reforms, and provide a framework for jurisdictions seeking to strengthen LODNA sample collection practices.