Introduction Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA is defined as the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms” (Genetics Home Reference). Breaking this definition down is simply the genetic material passed down from generation to generation, and everyone has it. There is technology that analyzes DNA that can identify an individual just from skin flakes or hair follicles. This makes identifying an individual simple. This makes identifying a criminal offender simple. DNA technology is the greatest tool used in the criminal investigation process in the apprehension of the correct criminal offender. With this technology at forensic scientists fingertips wrongful convictions will go down in numbers. They are currently high due
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Very carefully, seriously though DNA evidence should be collected while using the following precautions:
“wear gloves and change them often, use disposable instruments or clean the thoroughly before and after handling each sample, avoid touching the area where you believe DNA may exist, avoid talking, sneezing and coughing over evidence, avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting and packaging evidence, air-dry evidence thoroughly before packaging, and put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags and do not use staples” (What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence).
If evidence while not using the above precautions is collected, the evidence may become contaminated. When the evidence becomes contaminated it essentially becomes useless which allows the criminal offender a better opportunity to get away with the crime they have committed. Upon successful collection of DNA evidence it is then examined as to be able to identify the perpetrator or compare to possible suspects as to ensure the correct person be charged for the crime.
How is DNA evidence …show more content…
There are several steps in analyzing DNA. These steps include: extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation, analysis and interpretation and quality assurance. Going further into depth, the extraction phase is the process of releasing the DNA from the cell. This is done utilizing a centrifuge, which concentrates the sample making it easier to measure. Quantitative is just measuring how much of a sample of DNA that on has. “Amplification is the process of producing multiple copies of the DNA in order to characterize it” (DNA Evidence). Separation is simply separating an amplified DNA product to permit for follow on identification. Analysis and determination is the process of quantitatively and qualitatively comparing DNA evidence samples to known DNA profiles. Quality assurance is the process of reviewing the work done ensuring everything was done correctly. After the quality assurance phase is complete the analysts receive a chart called an electropherogram. The electropherogram shows the genetic material present at each loci tested. Once the testing is complete suspects will be convicted if found positive for wrongdoing and those wrongfully convicted will be exonerated if found
Very carefully, seriously though DNA evidence should be collected while using the following precautions:
“wear gloves and change them often, use disposable instruments or clean the thoroughly before and after handling each sample, avoid touching the area where you believe DNA may exist, avoid talking, sneezing and coughing over evidence, avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when collecting and packaging evidence, air-dry evidence thoroughly before packaging, and put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags and do not use staples” (What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence).
If evidence while not using the above precautions is collected, the evidence may become contaminated. When the evidence becomes contaminated it essentially becomes useless which allows the criminal offender a better opportunity to get away with the crime they have committed. Upon successful collection of DNA evidence it is then examined as to be able to identify the perpetrator or compare to possible suspects as to ensure the correct person be charged for the crime.
How is DNA evidence …show more content…
There are several steps in analyzing DNA. These steps include: extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation, analysis and interpretation and quality assurance. Going further into depth, the extraction phase is the process of releasing the DNA from the cell. This is done utilizing a centrifuge, which concentrates the sample making it easier to measure. Quantitative is just measuring how much of a sample of DNA that on has. “Amplification is the process of producing multiple copies of the DNA in order to characterize it” (DNA Evidence). Separation is simply separating an amplified DNA product to permit for follow on identification. Analysis and determination is the process of quantitatively and qualitatively comparing DNA evidence samples to known DNA profiles. Quality assurance is the process of reviewing the work done ensuring everything was done correctly. After the quality assurance phase is complete the analysts receive a chart called an electropherogram. The electropherogram shows the genetic material present at each loci tested. Once the testing is complete suspects will be convicted if found positive for wrongdoing and those wrongfully convicted will be exonerated if found