Wyatt said this delay impacted decedent identification and subsequent next-of-kin notification as well as impacting the potential for early suspect identification in homicide cases. "The most critical piece in any homicide investigation is arguably the decedent's identification. The sooner we can identify the decedent, the sooner the homicide detective will be able to identify potential suspects," stated Wyatt.
Although several Coroner/Medical Examiner offices in California have used electronic means to capture decedent fingerprints in the past, the Sacramento County Coroner's Office is the first in the state to submit electronic prints to the DOJ in real time. "This project will save precious financial resources beginning immediately," stated Wyatt. The project was supported by Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully, Sheriff John McGinness, the DOJ, the Sacramento County Cal-ID Program, and Cross Match Technologies.
"This is another example of local and state government working together with private industry to solve a problem and develop a solution that will not only save taxpayers money, but will enhance the public safety of the community as well," Wyatt said. A portion of the funding for this project came from assessments on DMV registrations and traffic fines.
