The turn around times of DNA criminal justice samples is now 5 days compared to 350 days in March 1997. With the everyday advancements of forensic science 5 days will be reduced to crime scene testing giving an all most immediate result.
An example of advancements in DNA profiling helping to convict criminals is that of ‘Operation Phoenix’, where forensic work by the FSS helped the police to get a conviction from their re-investigation of more than 200 sex crimes between the period of 1985 – 1999.
The Project used DNA techniques such as FSS SGM Plus™ and DNA LCN, which weren’t available at the time to produce DNA profiles. The FSS used FSS SGM Plus™ to re-analyse extracts from the original swabs taken from the rape victim. From a mixed profile obtained a major component of the profile was matched to that of Mark Wilkinson on the NDNAD.
There is at present a 40% success rate of matching DNA clues from crime scenes to samples on the NDNAD.
Results show that repeat offenders are being identified more easily and now being placed before the courts since DNA LCN was developed.
Forensic evidence in criminal cases does not only prove a person’s guilt it also proves a persons innocence as was the case in the Sandra Poole case.
Jules Cain – Sandra’s boyfriend – was framed by his friend Janani Frenziedly – who raped and murdered Sandra – by smearing Cain’s initials on the carpet in toothpaste.
During the police investigation Dr McClelland helped the police to analyse the phone call made by Frenziedly, who impersonated a woman. Her knowledge of how ethnicity determines pitch and range of voice, and how younger people say statements like asking questions (Australian question intonation) put the police on the trail of the killers identity. This along with DNA evidence proved that Cain was not Sandra’s murderer but Frenziedly was.
The work done by forensic scientists does not only convict the common criminal it plays a vital role in helping the police get a conviction in cases such as fraud.
In the ‘Art of Deception’ the analysis of paint samples, using was vital in proving a collection of paintings were forgeries. Study of the paintings showed that they had been painted from the same palette, as the red paint was not fully mixed and this was visible in both paintings.
The results from a chemical analysis of the paint using Gas Chromatography showed the presence of a chemical which was not available when the paintings were supposedly painting – proving they were fakes.
Forensic scientists analyse paint samples using Gas Chromatography, to determine the chemical properties of the paint and identify the paint and possibly the manufacturer.
In the case of ‘The Fox’ paint fragments were found on a branch of a tree near one of the crime scenes. Forensic scientists matched the paint shade to the manufacturer using the results from the Gas Chromatography. With the knowledge of the manufacturer of the car and the measurements taken from the disturbances in the trees at the crime scene the forensic scientists were able to identify the model of car – leading the police in the direction of the offender.
The details of the car, analysed fibres – rabbit hair from the lining of a pair of gloves – and unusual footwear marks – once analysed using a modified version of Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) gave a probable make and size of shoe – gave the police sufficient evidence in order to secure a conviction.
Forensic evidence can be used to disprove a persons’ statement by analysing and piecing together the chain of events.
In the Billie-Jo Jenkins case her foster father, Sion Jenkins, said he found Billie-Jo after she had fallen and that the blood on his clothes was from her breathing out. The blood pattern of about 140 microscopic blood spots disproved his statement. The pattern was “consistent with the defendant having stood very close to Billie-Jo when she was being struck.” This view was supported by the fact that similar forensic evidence was not present on the neighbour or ambulance-men who attended the scene of the attack. Sion Jenkins was subsequently convicted of Billie-Jo’s murder.
Forensic evidence as produced by the FSS is used to track and convict drug dealers and manufacturers.
In ‘The Acid House’ an American couple were producing LSD tabs. Forensic scientists used Gas Chromatography to prove the presence of LSD in pipettes recovered from the property. The forensic scientists matched tabs and designs obtained from raids on the streets to sheets recovered from the property along with computer instructions on design and printing techniques. With this information along with the chemical formulae on a piece of paper which FSS scientists verified as that for the quantities of LSD per tab, the police had enough evidence to convict the American couple.
The FSS’s ground-breaking work is pushing back the boundaries of science and evolving in order to stay one step ahead if the criminal.
Advances in forensic science have allowed for the creation of the K106 Early Evidence Kit. The Kit – available to all UK police forces – allows the early collection of urine samples and mouth swabs by the victims of drug rape. This kit will help preserve traces of drugs that would otherwise be lost within hours of an alleged attack. Collecting the samples early will give the FSS toxicologists a better chance of finding potentially vital evidence – in turn leading to the possible increase in convictions.
The scientific advances have also made an instant test to check for the presence of drugs on objects possible. This test which is simple to do is used at airports by HM Customs and Excise personnel. Once the officer has proved the presence of drugs the items are sent to the FSS toxicologists to identify the drug using Gas Chromatography. In order to prosecute the HM Customs and Excise must obtain a positive result from the test.
The work of the FSS in support of the UK legal system extends beyond the work for the police, though this work still benefits the criminal justice system. The work undertaken includes the laboratory examination of exhibits, the evaluation of forensic evidence, expert witness testimony at court and awareness training.
The FSS is often commissioned by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to re-examine the records associated with the collection and examination of exhibits in the light of modern knowledge and technological advancements.
The FSS provides training courses for the CCRC solicitors and commissioners, helping to raise understanding and awareness of forensic matters.
The work of coroners involving unexpected and unnatural deaths can often require forensic expertise in support of other pathology investigations.
Deaths where there is no conclusive cause of death can necessitate toxicological investigations looking for drugs, alcohol or poisons.
Forensic evidence can also be valuable in the investigation of fires and accidents.
Both the prosecution and the defence need to have access to forensic evidence and support in order to ensure a fair justice system.
The FSS are sometimes required to give evidence for both the prosecution and the defence, this was the case in the failed Jeremy Bamber appeal which reinforced the FSS’s reputation and need for impartiality and independent provider of forensic evidence.
Notes to news editors
The FSS is an executive agency of the Home Office. It provides a national service, primarily to the 43 police forces of England and Wales.
The NDNAD was set up by the FSS in 1995 and currently holds profiles of more than 1.7 million suspects and convicted criminals as well as more than 160,000 from crime scenes.
DNA samples can be taken from anyone suspected of, charge with, reported for or convicted of a recordable offence.
DNA LCN is currently the most sophisticated DNA profiling technique used by the FSS. It is an extension of the routine FSS SGM Plus™ profiling technique and enables scientists to produce DNA profiles from samples which contain very few cells, such as a single flake of dandruff or residue left in a fingerprint.
The Forensic Science Service, FSS and National DNA Database are all registered trade marks.
The K106 Early Evidence Kit does not replace the full medical examination.
Total No. of Words: 1751
Murder case solved after 20 years, as obtained from
‘Crime Uncovered: Coded Revalations: DNA the Second Revolution: DNA’ Rebecca Fowler, The Observer 27/04/03
Serial Burglar Caught by Pioneering Science, 4 May 2001, as obtained from
Sandra Poole, , November 7, 2001, obtained from Lexis Nexis Professional
The ‘Art of Deception’ Trail of Guilt Progs. 1 - 3, BBC1, 1999
‘The Fox’ Indelible Evidence, Hugh Miller, BBC Books, 1991
Billie-Jo Jenkins case, obtained from Lexis Nexis Professional
As per Mr Pratt QC for the prosecution, from , June 5, 1998, Friday, as obtained from Lexis Nexis Professional
‘The Acid House’ Trail of Guilt Progs. 1 - 3, BBC1, 1999
, 09 September 2002, as obtained from