What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Using DNA Analysis to Aid Law Enforcement in Crime?

What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Using DNA Analysis to Aid Law Enforcement in Crime
••• stevanovicigor/iStock/GettyImages

In little more than two decades, DNA profiling has become one of the most valuable tools in forensic science. By comparing highly variable regions of the genome in DNA from a sample with DNA from a crime scene, detectives can help prove the culprit's guilt--or establish innocence. Despite its utility in law enforcement, however, some applications of DNA have proven controversial.

Advantages

The great advantage of DNA profiling lies in its specificity. Even relatively minute quantities of DNA at a crime scene can yield sufficient material for analysis. Forensic scientists typically compare at least 13 markers from the DNA in two samples. In a test with 13 markers, the probability that any two individuals would have identical profiles is estimated to be below 1 in 10 billion. Consequently, when specimens are collected properly and the procedure is performed correctly, DNA profiling is an extremely accurate way to compare a suspect's DNA with crime scene specimens.

Disadvantages

DNA evidence is only one of many types of evidence jurors should take into account when considering a case. TV shows like "CSI" may have popularized forensic science to the point where some jurors have unrealistic expectations of DNA analysis and accord it more weight than other types of evidence. This phenomenon is sometimes called the "CSI effect." Maintaining DNA databanks can help police identify criminals, but it can also pose ethical quandaries when authorities keep samples from people who have never been accused of any crime. DNA dragnets, operations where police collect samples from a large number of people in a geographic region to find a culprit, have proven especially controversial.

Considerations

It's important to remember that DNA analysis, like any other technique in forensic science, is susceptible to human error. Contamination during specimen collection or analysis can dramatically decrease its accuracy and reliability. As a general rule, DNA evidence is more useful in excluding suspects than in proving guilt. The Innocence Project at the New York Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law has successfully established the innocence of more than 100 wrongfully convicted inmates through DNA profiling and other types of evidence.

Related Articles

Types of Forensic Tests
The Importance of Studying Human DNA Genetics
Pros & Cons of Forensic Science
Sources of Error in Gel Electrophoresis
Interesting Facts About DNA Fingerprinting
List of Forensics Techniques
Forensic Science Projects for High School Students
Advantages & Disadvantages of Finding Variance
How Are Restriction Enzymes Used in Biotechnology?
What Kind of Equipment Is Used to Analyze DNA?
What Makes DNA Fingerprinting Unique?
Yeti Investigation Reveals New Info on Himalayan &...
What Is the Next Step if an Experiment Fails to Confirm...
The Role of Taq Polymerase in PCR
Four Major Types of Chromosomes
Need Inspiration? Check Out These 5 Women-Led Advancements...
The Kinds of Tissues That DNA Can Be Extracted From...
Restriction Enzymes Used in Forensic Science
What are Specific Biotechnology Applications for DNA...
When Was DNA Testing First Used?

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!