DNA Analysis for "Minor" Crimes: A Major Benefit for Law Enforcement

Introduction. The article highlights a number of topical issues involving the federal database of genomic information of the Russian Federation. Despite the fact that the expert application of fo- rensic DNA analysis began in the late 80s/early 90s of the twentieth century, the legal basis for the use of DNA for crime investigation does not meet the requirements of today. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the legal framework of forensic genetic databases of foreign countries, especially the United Kingdom and the United States, and the Russian Federation. Results. Based on the experience of countries where forensic DNA databases have been creat- ed and are effectively used, the general legislative principles of organizing such databases are discussed. Crimes warranting genetic registration and the procedural category of persons from whom DNA samples should be taken for the database purposes are considered as well as the length of the retention period and criteria for deleting genetic information. The issues of quali- ty control and ethical use of genetic information for solving crimes are discussed separately. In conclusion, the need for a legislative initiative that will allow law enforcement agencies to have a genomic information database as an effective tool for combating crime is proposed. Discussion and Conclusion. The paper emphasises a need for legislative initiatives that would allow law enforcement agencies to have a genomic database as an effective tool for combating crime.

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Forensic support of the activities of forensic science institutions and pre-trial investigation and inquiry bodies in counteraction to crime

Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics ◽

10.32353/khrife.1.2021.04 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 61-74

Author(s):

O. Yukhno

Keyword(s):

Law Enforcement ◽

Forensic Science ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Molecular Genetic ◽

Legal Framework ◽

Modern State ◽

Law Enforcement Agencies ◽

Scientific Paradigm ◽

Criminal Offenses ◽

Forensic Expert

Pressing issues of forensic support of activities of pre-trial investigation and inquiry bodies in countering criminal offenses are outlined. The concept and essence of crime counteraction are considered. The article analyzes the national criminal procedural legislation, departmental regulatory legal framework and their amendments concerning the direction under study, genesis of scientific findings on theoretical and applied issues of forensic support of the activities of pre-trial investigation and inquiry bodies in this direction, as well as the genesis of the concept and essence of forensic science as a science. The modern state of the development of forensic science, current high-priority issues and feasibility of changing the scientific paradigm of forensic science as well as the use of innovations are studied; ways for their improvement are proposed. Theoretical and applied problematic issues of criminalistics are subject to thorough study and resolution. Fundamental changes are required both in criminalistics in general and in particular in its individual areas. The current legislation, law enforcement agencies, forensic science institutions, prosecutors’ bodies and judicial bodies, as well as law enforcement, in which modern advances in science and technology (in particular, computer and telecommunication technologies) are being implemented should be reformed. The article highlights such problematic issues as the improvement of the forensic characteristics of cer-tain types of crimes, forensic techniques combining forensic techniques and tac-tics. The issue of further implementation in law enforcement and forensic expert activities of promising molecular genetic examinations for pre-trial investigation bodies, including the method of DNA analysis is outlined separately and fully. Relying on the results of research, specific author proposals and recommenda-tions are provided on the studied area of activity in general and in individual directions.

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A call for more science in forensic science

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1712161115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (18) ◽

pp. 4541-4544 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Suzanne Bell ◽

Sunita Sah ◽

Thomas D. Albright ◽

S. James Gates ◽

M. Bonner Denton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Law Enforcement ◽

Forensic Science ◽

Financial Support ◽

Scientific Community ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

National Commission ◽

Department Of Justice ◽

Administration Of Justice ◽

Forensic Scientists ◽

To Come

Forensic science is critical to the administration of justice. The discipline of forensic science is remarkably complex and includes methodologies ranging from DNA analysis to chemical composition to pattern recognition. Many forensic practices developed under the auspices of law enforcement and were vetted primarily by the legal system rather than being subjected to scientific scrutiny and empirical testing. Beginning in the 1990s, exonerations based on DNA-related methods revealed problems with some forensic disciplines, leading to calls for major reforms. This process generated a National Academy of Science report in 2009 that was highly critical of many forensic practices and eventually led to the establishment of the National Commission for Forensic Science (NCFS) in 2013. The NCFS was a deliberative body that catalyzed communication between nonforensic scientists, forensic scientists, and other stakeholders in the legal community. In 2017, despite continuing problems with forensic science, the Department of Justice terminated the NCFS. Just when forensic science needs the most support, it is getting the least. We urge the larger scientific community to come to the aid of our forensic colleagues by advocating for urgently needed research, testing, and financial support.

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Biological Evidence Management for DNA Analysis in Cases of Sexual Assault

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2015/365674 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Teresa Magalhães ◽

Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira ◽

Benedita Silva ◽

Francisco Corte-Real ◽

Duarte Nuno Vieira

Keyword(s):

Law Enforcement ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Forensic Genetics ◽

Sexual Contact ◽

Major Focus ◽

Biological Evidence

Biological evidence with forensic interest may be found in several cases of assault, being particularly relevant if sexually related. Sexual assault cases are characterized by low rates of disclosure, reporting, prosecution, and conviction. Biological evidence is sometimes the only way to prove the occurrence of sexual contact and to identify the perpetrator. The major focus of this review is to propose practical approaches and guidelines to help health, forensic, and law enforcement professionals to deal with biological evidence for DNA analysis. Attention should be devoted to avoiding contamination, degradation, and loss of biological evidence, as well as respecting specific measures to properly handle evidence (i.e., selection, collection, packing, sealing, labeling, storage, preservation, transport, and guarantee of the chain custody). Biological evidence must be carefully managed since the relevance of any finding in Forensic Genetics is determined, in the first instance, by the integrity and quantity of the samples submitted for analysis.

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Pyrotechnic Residues in Gunshot Residue Analysis

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100117649 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

pp. 128-129

Author(s):

H. M. Sagara ◽

S. A. Schliebe ◽

M. C. Kong

Keyword(s):

Law Enforcement ◽

Residue Analysis ◽

Gunshot Residue ◽

Particle Analysis ◽

Dry Skin ◽

X Ray ◽

Skin Cells ◽

Smokeless Powder ◽

Carbon Coated ◽

Detailed List

Particle analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x- ray analysis is one of the current methods used in crime laboratories to aid law enforcement in identifying individuals who have recently fired or handled a firearm. During the discharge of a firearm, the high pressure caused by the detonation of the cartridge materials forces a portion of the generated gases through leaks in the firing mechanism of the weapon. These gases contain residues of smokeless powder, primer mixture, and contributions from the projectile itself. The condensation of these hot gases form discrete, micrometer-sized particles, which can be collected, along with dry skin cells, salts, and other hand debris, from the hands of a shooter by a simple adhesive lift technique. The examination of the carbon-coated adhesive lifts consist of time consuming systematic searches for high contrast particles of spherical morphology with the characteristic elemental composition of antimony, barium and lead. A detailed list of the elemental compositions which match the criteria for gunshot residue are discussed in the Aerospace report.

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Digital imaging: When should one take the plunge?

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100165471 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 602-603

Author(s):

John F. Mansfield

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽

Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽

Optical Microscopy ◽

Digital Imaging ◽

Storage Devices ◽

Major Benefit ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

New Instrument ◽

Scanning Electron

The current imaging trend in optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is to record all data digitally. Most manufacturers currently market digital acquisition systems with their microscope packages. The advantages of digital acquisition include: almost instant viewing of the data as a high-quaity positive image (a major benefit when compared to TEM images recorded onto film, where one must wait until after the microscope session to develop the images); the ability to readily quantify features in the images and measure intensities; and extremely compact storage (removable 5.25” storage devices which now can hold up to several gigabytes of data).The problem for many researchers, however, is that they have perfectly serviceable microscopes that they routinely use that have no digital imaging capabilities with little hope of purchasing a new instrument.

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