DNA Profiling & Forensic Uses Of DNA Analysis

DNA profiling and DNA analysis, in a forensic context, is used more and more in both the detection and prosecution of crime.  With the ever increasing ability of forensic science providers to detect smaller and smaller traces of DNA, the need to consider all the circumstances surrounding how the DNA profile was obtained, and often more crucially, when and how that DNA could have got onto the surface tested, is of paramount importance.

Forensic Access provides expertise and considerable casework experience, from both a police and a defence background, in the analysis and interpretation of DNA including:

• Search and recovery of body fluids and other sources of DNA;
• Routine STR (DNA) profiling (SGM+, Identifiler, Profiler plus);
• Specialist DNA profiling techniques including LCN, 3100 enhancement, DNA SenCE; Y STR profiling, mitochondrial DNA profiling;
• Interpreting the DNA results in the overall context of the case;
• Reviewing procedures, continuity and integrity of the items
• Preparing reports, attending case conferences and presenting our evidence in court

Our associated DNA testing facilities provide us with world-leading forensic DNA techniques in both standard STR profiling and the specialist DNA services listed above, giving us the ability to re-test samples, or to profile stains not previously considered by the prosecution.

From the defence angle, the forensic scientists at Forensic Access can help to interpret and evaluate DNA profiling and analysis evidence produced by the prosecution. We can, for example:

• re-examine exhibits previously examined by the prosecution, looking for DNA opportunities not previously found and to ensure that there has been no other evidence type missed and/or examine exhibits not previously looked at by the prosecution;
• check and re interpret the DNA results obtained to ensure a correct and accurate representation and statistical analysis has been made, particularly where weak profiles, mixed profiles or low copy number / enhanced profiling techniques have been used;
• check that the procedures used in the prosecution forensic science laboratories to examine the exhibits and obtain the DNA profile itself were in compliance with the laboratory’s stated, quality management procedures;
• check to see if there has been any chance of contamination of the items;
• assess the interpretations made by the prosecution forensic scientist and test the hypotheses produced. Is there an alternative and realistic scenario of how this DNA could have been deposited?
• assess the DNA profiling results in the context of the whole case, considering all the circumstances surrounding how the profile was obtained and when and how that DNA could have got onto the surface tested.  Assess the profiling results in the context of the whole case;
• produce a detailed report of the findings;
• attend case conferences or phone conferences with counsel to discuss the findings;
• attend court to give expert testimony, listen to prosecution testimony and/or to advise counsel.

Contact Forensic Access to see how we can assist you and your client with your case work involving the forensic use of DNA profiling and DNA analysis.

See our list of experienced forensic scientists.