THE FORENSIC Science Service’s DNA specialists offer a range of case assessment and reevaluation services.
They range from simple re-analysis of a sample to confirm the original result, through assessment of the exhibit and sample recovery process, to thorough re-evaluation of the results obtained, their interpretation and conclusions drawn.
The FSS is the largest provider of forensic services in the UK and has been delivering evidence for the courts for over 70 years.
Traditionally, much of this work has been to support cases brought on behalf of the Crown, though its services are equally available for defence and civil proceedings.
Criminal defence – Working for the defence, FSS experts offer various levels of evaluation of work previously undertaken on a case including:
Initial assessment
Re-examination of relevant forensic case documentation
Re-interpretation of the scientific findings
Laboratory re-analysis of targeted forensic exhibits where this can assist a case.
Re-assessment of the forensic evidence can be particularly valuable when new information is obtained in a case and the original work needs to be evaluated in the context of this information.
Civil proceedings – DNA profiling can add value to civil as well as criminal cases. In addition, the FSS offers (among its many services) paternity testing for civil and family law cases. Here, the provision of highly confidential DNA testing enables genetic family relationships to be established beyond doubt, and either confirms or refutes paternity, inheritance or immigration claims.
Specialist DNA solutions – Even when working with the most advanced reference and crime stain processing facilities there are still times when important investigations will need access to highly specialised forensic DNA analysis and interpretation techniques to help provide a major breakthrough.
The FSS specialist DNA solution unit has a dedicated team of experienced scientists who deal with complex casework every day, using a variety of world-leading techniques, many of which have been specifically developed or adapted for forensic investigation by the FSS.
These include:
Super-sensitive DNA analysis (LCN) – Low-level DNA analysis is a highly sensitive extraction and profiling technique that can be used on highly degraded and unusual tissue/body fluid samples that contain extremely small amounts of DNA.
FISH – FISH is suitable for sexual assault cases where the male is azoospermic or oligospermic.
LMD – The Laser Micro- Dissection (LMD) technique involves the recovery of sperm directly from a microscope slide to a tube ready for extraction.
Y-STR – This service can be used to identify male DNA in isolation from any female DNA present.