Forensic Problems

Forensic scientists study clues to try to identify the perpetrator of a crime.

Forensics is the application of scientific methods like DNA fingerprinting and fingerprint analysis to police investigation. While some techniques (especially DNA fingerprinting) are well-validated and considered quite reliable, others like bite-mark analysis are not. A recent report identified some possible problems.

Types

Often the evidence available at a crime scene will be incomplete and difficult to piece together. Forensic scientists employ a wide variety of techniques and tools, ranging from analysis of fibers, paint or bloodstains to fingerprinting. As noted in a "Slate" article from 2008, however, techniques like fiber, paint and body fluid analysis may have error rates as high as 10 percent or above, and fingerprint analysis has an error rate of 1 to 4 percent. A report cited in a 2009 NPR article found there isn't enough scientific evidence to conclusively evaluate the effectiveness of many forensic techniques.

Effects

Human error is another possible problem in forensic science. The same 2009 NPR article noted that forensic labs are often underfunded and have insufficient manpower, and labs do not have mandatory credentialing to ensure they uphold basic standards. If crime lab technicians are biased or have certain expectations about what they will find, their preconceived notions could skew the results. These kinds of problems could cause faulty results due to human error.

Considerations

Forensic science has become an important part of evidence collection for criminal trials; nonetheless, as noted in a 2009 New York Post article, it's important for juries to understand the uncertainties involved with some techniques--for example, it's never actually been conclusively demonstrated that everyone has a unique fingerprint. The National Academy of Sciences report recommended the creation of a new national body to oversee and maintain high quality standards in forensic science.

References

• National Public Radio: Report; Forensics Rife with Serious Problems
• "New York Post": CSI, Without a Clue; Katherine Ramsland; 2009
• "Slate": C.S.Oy; Radley Balko and Roger Koppl; 2008