NCJ Number
120716
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 92,94-95
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an important tool for police investigators and forensic scientists, because it enables forensic serologists to identify offenders with almost complete certainty.
Abstract
DNA analysis has several benefits. Only a small amount of tissue is required for DNA analysis, and it can be used for samples that are too old for the identification of many protein genetic markers. In addition, it is useful for analyzing the mixed stains that often occur in sexual assault cases. Moreover, a laboratory can easily check the results from another laboratory, and a database of DNA patterns can be established to aid further investigations. Limitations of DNA analysis include the time it requires, its cost, the repetitive procedures involved, and the small number of forensic serologists trained in the technique. 3 reference notes.