Investigative technique 1) Forensics - DNA
Explanation of technique (very brief) Scientific techniques and tests that are used to assist in investigating. DNA - genetic info
Strength of the technique (how it is Everyone’s DNA is different, so allows high reliability BUT DNA from relatives can secure a match.
useful in criminal investigations) Chance to solve old murders
Identify victims when other methods don’t work
Limitation of technique (how it may Cross-contamination is possible, the perpetrator must be on the DNA national database, and
not be useful in criminal possible traces of DNA can falsely imprison a person. Expensive testing (£20), civil liberties
investigations) concerns about keeping DNA of people not convicted; led to law change in 2012.
Which criminal investigations is the Situations :
technique most useful in and why? + Crime scene as there is direct DNA from the scene, usually primary source
+ Laboratory as we test and analyse it ( can get contaminated )
Situations: crime scene, laboratory, + Police station, can swab mouth to collect DNA to put on database, easier to test them in case
police station or street. of future offence
- Street as it can be contaminated and not contained
Types of crime: violent, e-crime, Types of Crime :
property crime + Violent, physical blood, sweat, hair, saliva, semen of perpetrator can be found
- E-crime as not available or traceable DNA of people
+ Property Crime, traces of evidence, skin flakes, hair, fingerprints
Case examples to support assessment How was the technique used in the case? Was it useful?
ADAM SCOTT - 5 months in prison on the basis of contaminated evidence in 2011. Wasn’t even in
the region where the crime happened. DNA was contaminated and imprisoned the wrong
individual, therefore this technique was not useful.
COLETTE ARAM - murdered in 1985, developed DNA sample from crime scene and local pub
murderer was seen. Familial DNA from Pual’s son on National DNA database profilings convicted
Paul Hutchinson. Paul was jailed for 26 years. This proves DNA was useful as it was able to identify
people through alternative ways.
DAVID BUTLER - Anne Marie Foy sex worker - discared cigarette bum with saliva and skin flakes,
he had a skin condition where skin flakes got everywhere and under victims nails. This technique
was not useful as it was a miscarriage of justice.
Explanation of technique (very brief) Scientific techniques and tests that are used to assist in investigating. DNA - genetic info
Strength of the technique (how it is Everyone’s DNA is different, so allows high reliability BUT DNA from relatives can secure a match.
useful in criminal investigations) Chance to solve old murders
Identify victims when other methods don’t work
Limitation of technique (how it may Cross-contamination is possible, the perpetrator must be on the DNA national database, and
not be useful in criminal possible traces of DNA can falsely imprison a person. Expensive testing (£20), civil liberties
investigations) concerns about keeping DNA of people not convicted; led to law change in 2012.
Which criminal investigations is the Situations :
technique most useful in and why? + Crime scene as there is direct DNA from the scene, usually primary source
+ Laboratory as we test and analyse it ( can get contaminated )
Situations: crime scene, laboratory, + Police station, can swab mouth to collect DNA to put on database, easier to test them in case
police station or street. of future offence
- Street as it can be contaminated and not contained
Types of crime: violent, e-crime, Types of Crime :
property crime + Violent, physical blood, sweat, hair, saliva, semen of perpetrator can be found
- E-crime as not available or traceable DNA of people
+ Property Crime, traces of evidence, skin flakes, hair, fingerprints
Case examples to support assessment How was the technique used in the case? Was it useful?
ADAM SCOTT - 5 months in prison on the basis of contaminated evidence in 2011. Wasn’t even in
the region where the crime happened. DNA was contaminated and imprisoned the wrong
individual, therefore this technique was not useful.
COLETTE ARAM - murdered in 1985, developed DNA sample from crime scene and local pub
murderer was seen. Familial DNA from Pual’s son on National DNA database profilings convicted
Paul Hutchinson. Paul was jailed for 26 years. This proves DNA was useful as it was able to identify
people through alternative ways.
DAVID BUTLER - Anne Marie Foy sex worker - discared cigarette bum with saliva and skin flakes,
he had a skin condition where skin flakes got everywhere and under victims nails. This technique
was not useful as it was a miscarriage of justice.
