New DNA test to solve more cases

New DNA test to solve more cases

"The Forensic Science Service (FSS) is piloting a computer-based analysis system which can interpret previously unintelligible DNA samples.

It claims the technique is a world first which will boost its crime detection rates by more than 15%.

The method is being tested by the West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Northumbria and Humberside police forces.

It allows scientists to pinpoint DNA samples when more than one individual has touched a surface, where only small amounts of DNA have been left behind or only poor quality material was found."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/5404402.stm

The "CSI effect". Most departments don't have the resources (financial, techinical, and infrastruture) or training to get this done. TV shows are making people believe DNA testing, and fancy lights is the end-all of forensics. It is a powerful tool, but it's costly and hard to deploy, and obtaining good results with any of these tools is not always guaranteed. On the other hand, where available, and when they work, the results are amazing.

And if the police and the prosecution are the only people who can make the sample work, and just the once, it will either be useless, or it will be very handy when the police "just know who did it".

From http://clangnuts.blogspot.com/2006/08/police-seek-more-power.html - the guy is brilliant with some of his topical stuff.