Abstract
AbstractIn this article, we consider the effectiveness of DNA analysis in criminal investigations. Through this investigative tool, unknown victims, suspects, and serial offenders have been identified. At the same time, wrongly charged and convicted individuals have been eliminated from investigations or released from custody following DNA testing. We know forensic DNA analysis is powerful in individual cases/certain crime types, but its aggregate contribution to criminal detections is low and questioned. There is little evidence to demonstrate its actual contribution. We examined the possible reasons for the low impact of forensic DNA, with some recommendations that may further maximize its utility. Available evidence demonstrates that there remains a need to ensure value for money in continued investment in forensic DNA analysis. An evaluation of trends in criminal activities and detection opportunities utilizing DNA evidence may help in identifying specific areas where DNA is most useful, and resources can be focused. Additionally, the potential of integrated multi‐biometric analysis/systems and other evidence types should be explored.This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > DNA Databases and Biometrics Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Expert Evidence and Narrative
Highlights
The analysis of DNA for human identification purposes has become an integral tool in identifying victims of atrocities; unidentified decedents; mass disaster victims; and individuals involved in police investigations
The results of studies into the above effectiveness metrics generally indicate a potential for forensic DNA analysis to enhance the investigative capabilities of the police by identifying unknown suspects in cases involving DNA, such as murder, burglary, sexual assaults, and violent offenses; and reduce crime through the incapacitation and deterrence effects of DNA databases (Amankwaa & McCartney, 2019; Struyf, De Moor, Vandeviver, Renard, & Vander Beken, 2019)
Available evidence shows that while DNA analysis has contributed to successful investigations in many individual cases, its aggregate value to the resolution of all crime is low
Summary
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