The ability of DNA profiling to link an individual to an incident, means that it is often a key element of forensic evidence in criminal cases.
Since July 2014, DNA profiles prepared for the prosecution throughout the UK & Ireland, have been generated using the more sensitive techniques of DNA 17 or DNA 24. Whilst these new techniques can generate profiles from even smaller samples, the additional sensitivity often results in mixed DNA profiles. The interpretation of these, which may involve complex statistical evaluation, is far from straight forward. It is also becoming increasingly common to encounter specialist analysis methods, such as male specific Y-STR DNA profiling and mitochondrial DNA profiling.
The discriminating power of DNA profiling evidence is often such that it is critical for experienced DNA experts and forensic scientists to consider how DNA could have been left or transferred to a crime scene, not just who it might have come from.
We have 6 forensic experts who have specific experience in:
- Identification and recovery of biological material
- DNA analysis techniques, including conventional methods such as DNA17 & DNA24 profiling, and specialist methods such as Y-STR DNA profiling and mitochondrial analysis
- Interpretation of DNA profiling results in relation to criminal proceedings, including SFR1 reports, assessment of sampling strategies, secondary transfer and persistence issues
- Paternity issues
We can also commission de novo DNA profiling through our nominated and quality assured testing laboratories if the prosecution work has been limited or not undertaken. In our experience this has frequently proved to be significant in the evaluation of forensic evidence in a range of cases.
