Differing Perception of DNA Evidence and Intelligence Capabilities in Criminal Investigations

Scudder, N; Kelty, S; Busby Grant, J; Montgomerie, C; Walsh, S; Robertson, J; McNevin, D

Differing Perception of DNA Evidence and Intelligence Capabilities in Criminal Investigations

Scudder, N Kelty, S Busby Grant, J Montgomerie, C Walsh, S Robertson, J McNevin, D

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Publisher:: MDPI AG
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Police Science, 2020, 4, (2)
Issue Date:: 2020-02-03

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Scudder, N
dc.contributor.author	Kelty, S
dc.contributor.author	Busby Grant, J
dc.contributor.author	Montgomerie, C
dc.contributor.author	Walsh, S
dc.contributor.author	Robertson, J
dc.contributor.author	McNevin, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-3367
dc.date.accessioned	2021-02-11T05:16:06Z
dc.date.available	2021-02-11T05:16:06Z
dc.date.issued	2020-02-03
dc.identifier.citation	Police Science, 2020, 4, (2)
dc.identifier.issn	2206-5202
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146031
dc.description.abstract	The ability to predict physical characteristics from DNA presents significant opportunities for forensic science. Giving scientists an ability to make predictions about the donor of genetic material at a crime scene can then give investigators new intelligence leads for cold cases where DNA evidence has not identified any person of interest. However, the interpretation of this new form of intelligence requires careful analysis. The responses to an online survey, conducted in 2018-19, were used to examine how actors in the criminal justice system assess and interpret different types of DNA evidence and intelligence. The groups of focus for the survey were investigators, legal practitioners and the general public (as potential jurors). Several statistically significant effects were identified based on occupation and whether an individual had prior exposure to new DNA technology. Monitoring how those involved in interpreting reports from different types of DNA evidence and intelligence interpret them helps to ensure that decisions are made based on a sound understanding of their capabilities and limitations and may inform broader training and awareness strategies.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI AG
dc.relation.ispartof	Police Science
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.20944/preprints202002.0004.v1
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Differing Perception of DNA Evidence and Intelligence Capabilities in Criminal Investigations
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	4
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2021-02-11T05:15:51Z
pubs.issue	2
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	4
utslib.citation.issue	2

Abstract:

The ability to predict physical characteristics from DNA presents significant opportunities for forensic science. Giving scientists an ability to make predictions about the donor of genetic material at a crime scene can then give investigators new intelligence leads for cold cases where DNA evidence has not identified any person of interest. However, the interpretation of this new form of intelligence requires careful analysis. The responses to an online survey, conducted in 2018-19, were used to examine how actors in the criminal justice system assess and interpret different types of DNA evidence and intelligence. The groups of focus for the survey were investigators, legal practitioners and the general public (as potential jurors). Several statistically significant effects were identified based on occupation and whether an individual had prior exposure to new DNA technology. Monitoring how those involved in interpreting reports from different types of DNA evidence and intelligence interpret them helps to ensure that decisions are made based on a sound understanding of their capabilities and limitations and may inform broader training and awareness strategies.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146031