Empirical approaches to improving the use of DNA in crime scene investigative practice
| Author | Paul A Smith,Simon Mound,Roxy Leonard,Stephanie Bennett,Natasha Brown,Carolyn Lovell |
| DOI | 10.1177/1461355716688921 |
| Published date | 01 March 2017 |
| Date | 01 March 2017 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
International Journal of
Police Science & Management
Empirical approaches to improving
2017, Vol. 19(1) 54–60
ª The Author(s) 2017
the use of DNA in crime scene
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investigative practice
DOI: 10.1177/1461355716688921
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Paul A Smith
University of Portsmouth, UK
Simon Mound
Hampshire Constabulary, UK
Natasha Brown
Nottingham Trent University, UK
Roxy Leonard
Hampshire Constabulary, UK
Carolyn Lovell
Hampshire Constabulary, UK
Stephanie Bennett
University of Portsmouth, UK
Abstract
This article reports on a collaborative project that explored the targeted use of swabbing evidence sources which, up until
now, have not been routinely recovered or utilised for DNA analysis. All genres of the forensic portfolio have undergone
significant changes driven by economic, political and technological influencers, which have resulted in an array of
interpretations on its frontline delivery, often based on local requirements. The approach reported here pertains to a
research project bringing together a collaborative team of researchers, representing practitioners and academics, working
in conjunction with forensic service providers. The project reviewed the process of swabbing glove marks at crime scenes,
comparing the methods used with DNA profiling outcomes. The findings showed significant benefits in regards to DNA
outcomes, providing six detections over a four-month period that were attributable to the swabbing of the glove marks.
Furthermore, the study provided key data to guide practice and crime scene methods to meet new operational requirements.
Keywords
Forensic science, DNA, crime scene investigation
Submitted 28 Jul 2016, Revise received 06 Nov 2016, accepted 08 Nov 2016
Corresponding author:
Paul A Smith, University of Portsmouth, Ravelin House, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP, UK.
Email: paul1.smith@port.ac.uk
Smith et al.
55
Introduction
results from swabbing glove marks, but also allowed an
iterative review of the processes and techniques directing
The examination of items for the presence of ‘trace DNA’
the tasks undertaken by the CSI when recovering swabs of
(Gill, 2013) is by no means a new venture (van Oorschot
potential DNA sources from the crime scene.
and Jones, 1997; Wickenheiser, 2002). As profiling meth-
To review fully the relative ‘success’ of the new
ods have become more sensitive, opportunities to exploit
approach and help embed new methods into practice, a
these benefits from the crime scene perspective have
series of parameters was put in place to ensure that the
become more abundant and offer increasing evidence
appropriate data, in regard to the CSI examination, were
potential if recovered, managed and processed appropri-
recorded and utilised appropriately. This involved CSIs
ately. This article reports on a collaborative project that
compiling a detailed log of the actions, findings and
explored the targeted use of DNA swabbing of evidence
resources used at the crime scene, including recording the
sources that, to date, have not been routinely recovered or
surface from which marks were recovered, the powder or
utilised for DNA analysis. The collaboration, between
enhancement technique used, the method of lifting, etc. (as
operational crime scene investigators (CSI) and academia,
explained in more detail below). The method adopted was
designed the research to empirically measure and record
designed to utilise the data to measure techniques and scene
the relative impact of the swabbing of glove marks found
parameters against outcomes, generating reproducible
at crime scenes in relation to DNA outcomes.
inferential data to be used with further qualitative work
The project heralds a renewed endeavour in researching
to guide future practice.
novel crime scene methods which, it is fair to say, have
We report on the methods and outcome, and highlight
remained relatively unchanged for several years despite
the case outcomes in the discussion to demonstrate the
many advances in the associated science and technologies.
impact of using these methods. The findings are the first
The discipline deploys an amalgamation of scene recording
stage in reporting the research outcomes and will be further
methods, principally photography and written documenta-
consolidated by control studies and associated qualitative
tion, the forensic recovery of trace, biological and related
work. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the initial model
evidence, along with the visualisation, capture and recov-
presented could be extrapolated to a broader array of scenes
ery of marks and impression evidence. These remain core
and inform the wider use of forensic-enabled intelligence
functions despite a plethora of changes to forensic service
utilised to maximise the DNA evidence potential from a
provision, science and technology, and accountability.
more diverse range of crime scene circumstances.
The purpose of this study is to harness fully the benefits
afforded through the new sensitivities and capabilities of
DNA 17. The point of departure relating to the processing
Materials and methods
of DNA material from the scene is the requirement for a
reciprocal progression in scene techniques to ensure that
Between September and December 2014, during their day-
new profiling capabilities and subsequent potential are rea-
to-day operations, CSIs were asked to swab any glove
lised operationally for police investigations. Essentially,
marks observed during their examinations. The double-
developments such as DNA 17 cannot be implemented in
swab method (wet and dry) was used (Pang and Cheung,
isolation, associated practices need to be reviewed to max-
2007) on glove marks at the point where the CSI observed
imise the benefits available (Ribaux and Talbot-Wright,
the mark. This was either at initial observation with an
2014; Smith et al., 2008).
appropriate light source or after the marks had been devel-
The principal crime scene method reported here
oped using the selected powder. To achieve the aims of the
involved the swabbing of glove marks observed at crime
study, CSIs were asked to record the variables relevant to
scenes and submission of the swabs for analysis using
the recovery of any DNA present on the swabs, these
DNA 17. However, the research methodology is not iso-
included:
lated to the processes and outcome, it is also concerned
the type of crime – including burglary to dwelling,
with developing CSI actions at the scene to improve the
burglaries other than dwelling and serious/major
effectiveness of CSI processes, for example, what they
crimes;
record and the impact of other crime scene methods on
the enhancement method – some marks were unen-
the quality of the DNA samples recovered. The aim...
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