Interpretation of DNA data within the context of UK forensic science — evaluation

Forensic DNA provides a striking contribution to the provision of justice worldwide. It has proven to be crucial in the investigative phase of an unsolved crime where a suspect needs to be identified, e.g. from a DNA database search both nationally and internationally. It is also a powerful tool in the assignment of evidential weight to the comparison of a profile of a person of interest and a crime scene profile. The focus of this document is the evaluation of autosomal profiles for criminal trials in the UK. A separate review covers investigation and evaluation of Y-STR profiles, investigation using autosomal profiles, kinship analysis, body identification and Forensic Genetic Genealogy investigations. In less than 40 years, forensic DNA profiling has developed from a specialist technique to everyday use. Borrowing on advances in genome typing technology, forensic DNA profiling has experienced a substantial increase in its sensitivity and informativeness. Alongside this development, novel interpretation methodologies have also been introduced. This document describes the state of the art and future advances in the interpretation of forensic DNA data.

Overview of Forensic DNA Profiling and Database

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiling, has had a tremendous impact on forensic genetics. Before DNA profiling, all forensic genetic casework (e.g., Paternity testing, criminal casework, individual identification) was performed using classical serological genetic markers. Blood groups, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and polymorphic protein and enzymes were used for solving forensic genetic casework using immunological and electrophoretic methodologies. These genetic markers were nevertheless limited when it was necessary to analyze minimal or degraded material, which is commonly involved in forensic cases. An STR is a region of human DNA containing an array of tandem repeats. Arrays range from only a 10 to about a hundred repeated units. This essay confers the basic concepts of operating of DNA in the criminal investigation. This review primarily summarizes the major tandem repeat markers used in forensic DNA profiling, that assist criminal’s conviction, exonerate the inferring individuals, and recognize victims of violence, catastrophes, and armed conflict.

Awareness level on the role of forensic DNA database in criminal investigation in Nigeria: A case study of Benin city

Pieces of evidence have continued to emerge, demonstrating the extensive efficiency and effectiveness of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigations around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the awareness level on the prominent role of Forensic DNA Database on Crime Investigation in Nigeria: a case study of Benin City. In conducting this research, a total of 458 questionnaires were distributed around Benin City between the periods of 12th January 2020 to 21st March 2020, with a particular focus on security agents and students. The questionnaire comprised of three main categories: Socio-demographic characteristics, Information about the National Forensic DNA Database, and Information about DNA evidence, and Nigeria Criminal Justice system. For the analysis of data collected; the statistical tool used was also Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 for windows. Responses were compared using chi-square and presented as counts and percentages. In determining the level of awareness, the following responses were obtained. Of the total population: 53.28% had no idea about forensics, 19.21% were uncertain and 27.54% knew about forensics. The same trend was observed with Forensic DNA profiling, 42.14% did not know, 22.27% were uncertain and 35.59% demonstrated good knowledge of Forensic DNA profiling. On the knowledge about the National Forensic DNA Database, 48.47% had no knowledge, 22.27% were uncertain and 29.26% were knowledgeable about it. The result of the present study revealed that the awareness level of the forensic DNA Database was found to be inadequate.