Forensic DNA analysis has become more sensitive,enabling the generation of DNA profiles from minimal cellular material.This allows the examination of trace DNA evidence from objects that have been touched or handled.H...Forensic DNA analysis has become more sensitive,enabling the generation of DNA profiles from minimal cellular material.This allows the examination of trace DNA evidence from objects that have been touched or handled.However,this sensitivity increases the risk of contamination by unrelated individuals.Balancing the benefits of increased sensitivity with stringent quality control is crucial to ensure the reliability and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.A comparative study of academic databases,governmental protocols,regulations,and guidance documents revealed contrasting methods for ensuring the reliability of DNA evidence in the quality management systems(QMSs)in the UK and India.In the United Kingdom,the Forensic Science Regulator enforces the statutory codes of practice that align with international accreditation standards,as well as contamination control guidance documents from crime scenes to laboratories to courtrooms.In contrast,India lacks a comprehensive QMS comparable to that of the UK,particularly regarding the preanalytical DNA collection phases.To enhance the quality of its DNA forensic services,India may benefit from adopting approaches analogous to those successfully implemented in the United Kingdom.The strategies may involve establishing a central forensic regulatory authority with statutory powers,implementing comprehensive quality assurance and accreditation protocols from crime scenes to courtrooms,and harmonizing nationwide practice standards to prevent miscarriages of justice in India.展开更多
文摘Forensic DNA analysis has become more sensitive,enabling the generation of DNA profiles from minimal cellular material.This allows the examination of trace DNA evidence from objects that have been touched or handled.However,this sensitivity increases the risk of contamination by unrelated individuals.Balancing the benefits of increased sensitivity with stringent quality control is crucial to ensure the reliability and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.A comparative study of academic databases,governmental protocols,regulations,and guidance documents revealed contrasting methods for ensuring the reliability of DNA evidence in the quality management systems(QMSs)in the UK and India.In the United Kingdom,the Forensic Science Regulator enforces the statutory codes of practice that align with international accreditation standards,as well as contamination control guidance documents from crime scenes to laboratories to courtrooms.In contrast,India lacks a comprehensive QMS comparable to that of the UK,particularly regarding the preanalytical DNA collection phases.To enhance the quality of its DNA forensic services,India may benefit from adopting approaches analogous to those successfully implemented in the United Kingdom.The strategies may involve establishing a central forensic regulatory authority with statutory powers,implementing comprehensive quality assurance and accreditation protocols from crime scenes to courtrooms,and harmonizing nationwide practice standards to prevent miscarriages of justice in India.
