Progress in the field of forensic DNA profiling

Architecture and Engineering to Support Forensic DNA Labs

When building a new facility, it’s important to know your limits and get help early rather than late.

For some major cases, crime scene officers need additional help processing the scene. Many departments are looking to evidence response technicians (ERTs) to solve the problem.

It is important to look, sound, and act the part to be a convincing and effective Expert Witness.

Although every validation is different, the advice and experiences of others can help you develop your own validation plan.

A slightly different technique for collecting tool mark impression evidence.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed its class action law suit in California challenging the implementation of that state’s arrestee DNA database legislation. Fortunately for many potential victims and for many suspects, the Federal judge deciding the preliminary injunction has ruled against the ACLU.

Making more office space, calculating the amount of DNA staff needed to work DNA backlogs, and creating more storage space are issues common to DNA labs today.

Today’s high-tech world greatly increases our ability to put the “bad guys” in jail. But technology only takes you so far. As crime scene officers, we have to expand the role we play in order to take full advantage of the technology out there.

As 3D scanners become more common for capturing and preserving evidence, police, forensic technicians, and others involved in the field need to be aware of the applications, benefits, and limitations of this technology and how it can be used in the analysis of evidence and crime scenes.

The past several months have been full of contrasts and contradictions. We have seen fascinating cases solved illustrating the incredible effectiveness of forensic DNA technology.