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A $4 million NSW Government investment in new robotics technology will mean faster DNA testing to help police solve crime.
State-of-the-art Forensic DNA robotics equipment has now been installed at NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) in Lidcombe, with validation of the technology currently underway.
The new technology will enable faster DNA testing to support intelligence-led policing and crime disruption strategies and is expected to become operational in 2025.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz recently visited the Lidcombe facility to view the new technology and hear about the vital impact it will have in time-critical police investigations.
Our Criminalistics experts examine evidence and assist police in investigating a range of crimes, including:
• homicide
• arson
• assault
• sexual assault
• break and enters
• stolen motor vehicles
FASS Operations Director of Criminalistics Sharon Neville said the new robotics will ensure the Forensic Biology/DNA laboratory can keep up with increasing demand, while maintaining high-quality, reliable results.
“Our DNA laboratory is a world-leader when it comes to forensic services. We are the busiest laboratory in Australasia and one of the highest throughput laboratories in the world,” Ms Neville said.
“We process up to 100,000 DNA samples each year, and this technology will revolutionise our capabilities.
“The new robotics upgrade will make our facility the most automated forensic laboratory in the country.”
NSW Health Pathology’s FASS provides independent analysis to the NSW health and justice systems with specialist forensic medicine, forensic biology/DNA, illicit drugs analysis, chemical criminalistics, forensic and environmental toxicology testing and evidence recovery services.
It supports a range of government agencies, including NSW Health, the NSW Police Force, Department of Communities and Justice, the Coroners Court and Transport for NSW.