Alan Baker
We are proud to launch our new series of guides for solicitors called Evidence Essentials.
Each guide has been written by a forensic expert with many years experience of the criminal justice system and the presentation of forensic evidence. They will act as up-to-the minute references for anyone involved in criminal defence work.
The first is the series is all about DNA evidence and will be followed next month by a guide to Drug Driving.
Evidence Essentials – DNA
A guide to what information and evidence to look for in cases involving DNA
- Many factors affect the transfer and persistence of DNA, and the interpretation of DNA evidence can be far from straightforward.
- The sensitivity of the latest DNA profiling methods means that it possible to detect minute traces of DNA left on objects, people or clothing either as a result of touch (handling or wear), or through indirect contact (also known as secondary or tertiary transfer).
- The question of ‘how and when’ the DNA was transferred has become an incredibly important issue in casework featuring DNA evidence.
- This ability for DNA to be detected following secondary transfer (where no direct contact has occurred) means that the actions of Police personnel when examining a crime scene and recovering exhibits needs to strictly follow the Forensic Regulator’s guidelines in order to mitigate as best as possible against DNA contamination.
- DNA experts are not always able to provide a statistic, for example from mixtures where more than five people have contributed.
- DNA results with no statistical evaluation should be considered as inconclusive with respect to whether or not an individual could have contributed, and not be presented in evidence.
- Streamlined Forensic Reports (SFRs) are often being produced in cases involving DNA and this staged approach can result in different exhibits being in different reports and only part of the evidence being reported at one time. This can make it incredibly difficult to get a good understanding of the forensic evidence as a whole.
- These SFRs should not be used evidentially and they can often miss the detail, such as whether or not the sample is a mixture of DNA, and the initial Database Match Reports do not include a statistical evaluation.
About Bericon Forensics
Bericon has provided first class forensic science consultancy to the legal profession and other organisations for over 40 years and is one of the oldest independent forensic consultancy organisations in the UK The business operates from premises in Stoke on Trent making it ideally placed geographically to accept instructions from across the UK.
Alongside the head office facility, the business is supported by a team of consultants each providing expertise in a defined area of science. Our intention is to make Bericon your forensic One Stop Shop by offering a fast, friendly and efficient service.