Forensic DNA investigation

Abstract

Forensic DNA evidence is assisting in resolving crime and is now commonly used in most countries. It assists in exonerating the innocent, identification of perpetrators of crime, establishes paternity, and identification of human remains. When processing and testing exhibit material, the crime scene and laboratory examiners must be mindful of the evidential value of DNA physical evidence. There has been no other technology that has been so voraciously scrutinized for acceptance in the courts as forensic DNA evidence. Since the introduction of forensic DNA evidence to the courts, there have been many reported incidences where errors have occurred during the collecting and testing phase of DNA exhibit material and the interpreting of the results. The use of forensic DNA evidence is based on reliable technology: provided that the necessary quality assurance and quality control measures are consistently applied and the value of forensic DNA findings is not overstated. Forensic databases are assisting investigators in the investigation of cases where serial and multiple offenders are involved. Verified forensic DNA investigative lead reports that are generated from the comparison searches conducted on the forensic DNA databases can either link a known person on the database to crime scenes or link various crime scenes where the person's forensic DNA profiles are not yet uploaded to the database. Cross-forensic investigative lead products can also be used to check for certain common attributes of value that is shared between different types of forensic investigative leads to aid with the resolution of linked cases.