The DOI matches its Crossref record; 22 of the 22 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Why Down-managing Backlog Forensic DNA Case Entries Matters
Open accessAbstract
Forensic laboratories face a backlog of case files, affecting service delivery, causing delays. The backlog points to underfunding, poor planning, and inadequate support, hindering deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis. Resolving casework backlogs may initially seem like a straightforward and attainable measure to improve the arrest of offenders and promote justice. Longer turnaround times impede investigative leads, emphasising the need for efficient strategies and a comprehensive approach to address and prevent backlogs in forensic laboratories. No study has been published on the forensic DNA backlogs in South Africa. The article explicitly addresses one aspect of a Doctor of Philosophy study and aims to ascertain the impact of backlogs in forensic DNA case entries. The study article’s research questions included the following: “What cases are considered as backlog?”; “What is the current backlog in forensic DNA case entries in South Africa?” and “What are the main reasons for the backlog of cases involving forensic DNA?” The prompt processing of DNA evidence is vital not only for safeguarding individuals falsely accused of crimes based on circumstantial evidence but also for aiding prosecutors and providing justice for crime victims.
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“However, the lack of timely provision of forensic testing results and the push to address backlogs of unexamined cases remain an ongoing concern for several jurisdictions, as evidenced in the literature [18, 19, 20, 21], making this a significant quality issue for the industry to address.”
From Quality issue management and disclosure in forensic science: A survey of practice and perceptions (2025) · cites this paper as [20]
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Cites
Deming, W. E. (2018) · The MIT Press eBooks · doi:10.7551/mitpress/11457.001.0001 · Cited by 323
The Effects of DNA Databases on Crime
Doleac, J. L. (2016) · American Economic Journal Applied Economics · doi:10.1257/app.20150043 · Cited by 96
Campbell, R., & Fehler‐Cabral, G. (2018) · Law & Society Review · doi:10.1111/lasr.12310 · Cited by 92
Campbell, R., Feeney, H., Fehler‐Cabral, G., Shaw, J., & Horsford, S. R. (2015) · Trauma Violence & Abuse · doi:10.1177/1524838015622436 · Cited by 90
Analyzing Approaches to the Backlog of Untested Sexual Assault Kits in the U.S.A.
Wang, C., & Wein, L. M. (2018) · Journal of Forensic Sciences · doi:10.1111/1556-4029.13739 · Cited by 55
DNA in the Criminal Justice System: The DNA Success Story in Perspective,
Mapes, A., Kloosterman, A., & de Poot, C. J. (2015) · Journal of Forensic Sciences · doi:10.1111/1556-4029.12779 · Cited by 47
The Rape Kit’s Promise: Techno-optimism in the Fight Against the Backlog
Quinlan, A. (2020) · Science as Culture · doi:10.1080/09505431.2020.1846696 · Cited by 25
A cost-effectiveness analysis of the number of samples to collect and test from a sexual assault
Wang, Z., MacMillan, K., Powell, M., & Wein, L. M. (2020) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.2001103117 · Cited by 23
Backlogs are a dynamic system, not a warehousing problem
Houck, M. M. (2020) · Forensic Science International Synergy · doi:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.10.003 · Cited by 19
Reimagining forensic science – The mission of the forensic laboratory
Wickenheiser, R. A. (2021) · Forensic Science International Synergy · doi:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100153 · Cited by 17
Research works printed but not linked: 4
- Smith JH. An exploration of the identification and processing of forensic investigative leads in investigating crime in the South African Police Service. (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Africa). 2023.
- Smith JH, Horne JS. The Value of Forensic DNA Investigative Leads in South Africa Journal of Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigation. 2023;17(4):555969. https://juniperpublishers.com/jfsci/pdf/JFSCI.MS.ID.555969.pdf.
- Anderson L, White J. Challenges in managing forensic case backlogs. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2018; 63(1): 4-9.https//:doi.org/ 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.10.003. · DOI
- Holton G. Queensland's forensic debacle. Guardian (Sydney), 2023; 2054(10). https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.170182205718582. · DOI
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Quality issue management and disclosure in forensic science: A survey of practice and perceptions
Heavey, A. L., Houck, M. M., Turbett, G. R., & Lewis, S. W. (2025) · Journal of Forensic Sciences · doi:10.1111/1556-4029.70121 · Cited by 10
Metadata
- Authors
- Smith, J., & Horne, J.
- Affiliations
- University of South Africa (ZA)
- Venue
- Journal of Forensic Science and Research
- Published
- 2024-03-22
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 001-008
- ISSN
- 2575-0186 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4393233708
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 25.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Update notices
- new_edition (2024-03-22)
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of Forensic Science and Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Law › Legal processes and jurisprudence
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Forensic and Genetic Research
- Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Keywords
- turnaround time, South Africa
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