Governor Announces 1,000th DNA Database Hit, Unveils New Armored Tactical Vehicle for State Police
Governor’s Public Safety Announcements Mark Ongoing Efforts for a Safer Maryland
Jessup, MD (July 8, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that a more efficient DNA database has resulted in the 1,000th positive comparison. The announcement was made at an event during which the Governor unveiled the new State Police armored vehicle, reminding citizens that the Administration’s mandate to make Maryland safer is moving forward.
Governor O’Malley was joined by Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan outside the State Police Waterloo Barracks as he revealed that late last week, scientists at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Laboratory had made the 1,000th “hit” by comparing crime scene DNA to known offender samples in the State’s DNA database. The 1000th hit involves the positive comparison of DNA from evidence in an unsolved Maryland homicide. This information has been forwarded to the investigating police department for follow up. Due to the ongoing investigation, further information cannot be released on the specifics of the case.
“The backlog of offender DNA samples and the resulting inefficiency of the DNA database has been a concern for all Marylanders,” Governor O’Malley said. “By eliminating the backlog of over 24,000 DNA samples, and ensuring that all qualifying offender samples are in the database, we are confident that the database is operating at peak efficiency and has become an invaluable resource in our efforts to reduce violent crime and protect the citizens of Maryland.”
In January 2008, Governor O’Malley announced the elimination of the backlog of untested and uncollected DNA samples from convicted felons that had grown to more than 24,000 by the end of 2006. The backlog elimination was the result of additional funding for new positions and new equipment to relevant agencies.
In May 2008, Governor O’Malley signed legislation proposed by the Administration that will, as of January 1, 2009, require anyone charged with a crime of violence or first, second, or third degree burglary to submit a DNA sample for entry into the database. This expansion of the database is expected to save investigation, prosecution, and incarceration resources, solve and prevent crimes, and exonerate the wrongly accused.
Maryland’s DNA database was established by law in 1994. The first positive comparison using the database occurred in 1998. It was eight years later in August of 2006, when State Police scientists reached the 500th hit. Now, less than two years later, they have reached the 1,000th hit. State Police scientists expect the number of hits to continue to accelerate as more known samples are entered into the database.
Governor O’Malley also unveiled the new Maryland State Police armored vehicle, a 2008 Lenco “Bearcat,” that will be used by the Special Tactical Assault Team Element (STATE Team) during high-risk incidents. “We cannot increase public safety without providing our dedicated law enforcement officers with the best possible tools they need to do their jobs,” Governor O’Malley said. “This is especially important when it involves equipment so closely related to officer safety and the ability of police officers to protect our citizens.”
“The safety of our troopers and allied law enforcement officers must be paramount as they risk their lives while serving and protecting the people of Maryland,” Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said. “I appreciate the priority the Governor and his staff have given to ensuring we have state-of-the-art equipment like this armored vehicle that enables us to do our jobs safer and more effectively.”
The 8.5 ton truck replaces a military surplus vehicle half its size that STATE Team personnel had been using since 1995. The new truck provides more room, more speed, and many more capabilities. Most importantly, it provides much more protection for troopers dealing with life-threatening situations. The Bearcat will be responding to incidents such as barricaded persons, hostage situations, high-risk raids, and riots.
The new armored vehicle can carry twice as many personnel and their equipment. It has an on-board air system that will enable teams to travel into areas where hazardous materials are present. Equipment includes a radiation monitor, a thermal imaging system, and high intensity lights. The ballistic protection is significantly increased over the previous vehicle.
State Police tactical troopers welcomed the Governor’s presentation of this vehicle and are extremely pleased to have it as part of their specialized equipment. One tactical commander described the new vehicle as “the best protection money can buy.”
The Governor’s Homeland Security Office directed federal homeland security funds to be used to purchase this vehicle in the amount of $286,000. An additional $11,000 from the Maryland State Police budget was used to purchase specialized equipment.
