DNA Evidence and Procedures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

desoxyribonucleic acid Evidence and Procedures - Essay ExampleThough deoxyribonucleic acid is used by the personify to create the physical characteristics of hair color, eye color, and height, it can only be used to grab a suspect to a precedent and can not determine their physical characteristics. Advances in desoxyribonucleic acid technology have revolutionized forensic science since its introduction in the mid 1980s. It is used to bring endorse against a suspect as well as exonerate innocent people.As investigators, justice enforcement is slackly concerned with a few key issues with respect to DNA evidence These issue involve maintaining the lawfulness of the evidence and the credibility of its evidentiary value. These areThe criminal offense scene is the first line of defense in maintaining credible DNA evidence. To minimize the possibility of contamination the incidental activity must be bring down at the crime scene. Only critical personnel should have any initial acc ess until entirely samples are collected. According to the Presidents DNA Initiative (2007), It is important for all law enforcement personnel at the crime scene to make a conscious effort to refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, littering or any other actions which could agree the crime scene. In addition, it is suggested that all first responders be trained in DNA assembling and preservation techniques.Investigators must tediously search for small amounts of DNA evidence available at the scene. This may be small blood spatters, hair, skin tissue evidence found under fingernails, and clothing that contains body fluids. Suspects may be swabbed for saliva or DNA may be obtained from an object they have contacted. In the case of rape or sexual assault, the Department of Justice guidelines dictate that, ...evidence that may be inner(a) or on a victims body should only be collected by a doc or sexual assault nurse examiner (Understanding DNA evidence, 2007). Initial contact with an assault victim should stress the importance of not changing clothes or showering before evidence can be collected. Evidence fatalitys to be clearly labeled and identified as to where and when it was collected in a manner that will maintain a proper chain of custody. Samples should be kept dry and need be sealed to prevent contamination and butt ind at room temperature to prevent degradation (Presidents DNA Initiative, 2007). The discipline Institute of Justice mandates that evidence that may contain DNA should not be placed in plastic bags as plastic retains moisture which could damage and degrade the DNA sample (What every law enforcement officer should know about DNA, 1999). Direct sunlight and heat can also damage samples and it is recommended that the sample be transported as quickly as reasonable to an appropriate storage area. It is recommended that long-term storage be maintained only by a qualified facility or laboratory. In the 2003 Summit Report, the field Institut e of Justice warned, If law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and crime lab technicians are not trained to recognize, collect, preserve, transport, and store DNA evidence, thenits use may be compromised or even invalidated. Maintaining the integrity of the DNA evidence is vital if it is to have any value in the courtroom. Contamination is the greatest threat to the usability of DNA evidence. DNA evidence runs the risk of being contaminated when DNA from