On Sept. 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had awarded nearly $8 million to cities, counties, and non-profits in Western Washington to enhance public safety. The grants fall into two broad categories: support of programs that reduce crime and technological improvements to better serve the public.

Both King County ($811,000) and Whatcom County ($440,000) received funding for rapid DNA machines and technology for better and quicker processing of crime scenes.

Rapid DNA Typing technology allows DNA typing to be performed within a fully integrated system (swab in—profile out). The process can be completed in under 90 minutes with minimal training for staff. Applications include DNA typing at a mass fatality scene, crime scene, reference sample data banking at the point of arrest, human trafficking, and other applications where a rapid and mobile solution is needed.