AC 1.2- Assess the usefulness of investigative techniques in
criminal investigations. [20 marks]
FORENSICS- DNA
An example of an investigative technique is the use of DNA. A person’s DNA is
unique to them. DNA profiles can be taken from samples e.g. semen, saliva,
and blood. Since highly sensitive techniques have developed- an individual’s
DNA can be extracted from samples left at the scene of the crime and are
highly accurate (1 in 700,000,000 chances of being wrong). DNA between
blood relatives are very similar as they stem from a person’s parents. This is
useful as family members of a hard-to-find suspect can be used to identify a
potential suspect. DNA can be used to identify an unidentified victim by using
family members DNA of a potential victim. It’s a useful technique for violent
and sexual crimes where the offender is likely to leave blood/ semen samples.
Paul Hutchinson sentenced for raping and strangling 16-year-old Colette Aram.
Hutchinson was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years at Nottingham crown
court for the murder of Colette Aram. It took 26 years and advances in forensic
technology before her killer was caught and convicted for her murder. His son
had been pulled over for a driving offence by the police and forensic scientist
alongside the police found a close DNA match to investigate the driver’s family.
DNA has been useful in convicting Hutchinson. In 2008 the advances in forensic
technology allowed the police to put together a DNA profile of the killer. The
DNA found consisted of smears of bodily fluid he left on the dead girl’s clothes
and then again later at a pub he visited after the murder, and the letter he
wrote bragging that he would never be caught. This highlights how closely
related people, such siblings or parents, have more DNA similarities than
unrelated people, and how police may draw the incorrect conclusions based
solely on DNA. Additionally, DNA has shown to be helpful in situations where
other techniques have failed to identify the victim. For instance, dental
records, blood type, and other information may be utilised to identify the
victim, as well as their age and other details. In some circumstances, DNA
might reveal both innocence and guilt.
However, a case where DNA was not useful however, is the case of Adam
Scott. The first issue was that he lived 190 miles away from the scene of rape in
Manchester and had denied being in Manchester that time. He was wrongly
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