Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Joins Rapid DNA Technology Pilot Program to Accelerate Crime Solving
Montgomery County, Texas — September 13, 2025 — In a significant move to enhance law enforcement capabilities, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has been selected to participate in a new pilot program introducing rapid DNA technology. This innovative tool promises to dramatically reduce the time required to analyze DNA evidence, potentially revolutionizing criminal investigations in the region.
Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, who assumed office less than a year ago as head of the third-oldest county in Texas, emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements in policing. “We’ve got to implement things and not stay static. Move with the future, move with technology in order to be effective in law enforcement,” Doolittle stated.
Transforming DNA Analysis with Cutting-Edge Technology
Traditional DNA analysis can take several days or even months, particularly for agencies like MCSO that do not operate their own crime laboratories. In contrast, rapid DNA technology can process and generate DNA profiles in less than two hours. This program, funded by the Texas Legislature this summer, enables the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to collaborate with two pilot counties—Williamson and Montgomery—aiming to fast-track criminal investigations statewide.
The rapid DNA device will be installed in the jail booking area, close to where individuals arrested have their mug shots taken. According to Sheriff Doolittle, when felony suspects are processed, two DNA swabs will be collected: one sent to traditional crime labs and the other analyzed onsite with rapid DNA equipment. While results from the rapid processing are not currently permissible as evidence in court, they serve as critical tools to expedite investigations and guide law enforcement in real-time.
Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead
Despite initial concerns surrounding accuracy and contamination, the technology has undergone thorough vetting. Sheriff Doolittle reassured the public and law enforcement partners, likening the rapid DNA test to preliminary drug field tests—valuable informational tools that assist but do not solely determine outcomes. “We’re testing it just like you use a field test for drugs. It’s just information,” he explained.
This pilot program, which launched earlier this month, is slated to run for two years. With the MCSO currently processing between 600 to 800 DNA samples annually, officials hope the new technology will help solve crimes faster and more efficiently. “The quicker we can solve crimes, the better off we’ll be,” Doolittle affirmed.
Background and Context
Though rapid DNA technology was approved for use across the United States as early as 2017, its implementation has been uneven. The Houston Police Department previously tested the system but has since discontinued its use, with no official explanation provided. Montgomery County’s participation marks a renewed local commitment to leveraging this technology.
The pilot program’s collaboration between MCSO and the Texas Department of Public Safety underscores a growing trend within law enforcement: adopting innovative tools to keep pace with advancing technology in crime solving. As the program unfolds, officials will evaluate the impact and efficacy of rapid DNA analysis to determine potential broader adoption in Texas.
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