DNA & Fingerprint Evidence

Perhaps one of the most powerful and commonly known investigative forensic techniques; the science was pioneered in the early 1980′s by SIR ALEC JEFFREYS at the University of Leicester, and concerns the genetic make-up of organic samples (e.g. blood, skin cells, hair follicles).

Whilst over 99.99% of human DNA is common between individuals, this minute variance is more than sufficient to allow comparative testing between subjects – a technique referred to as DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting.

Our expert witnesses can assist in the collection of forensically viable DNA samples and the production of clear expert reports that address paternity issues or comment upon the methods of preservation/analysis by third party scientists and conclusions reached.

Fingerprint identification, known as dactyloscopy, or hand print identification, is the process of comparing two instances of friction ridge skin impressions, from human fingers, the palm of the hand or even toes, to determine whether these impressions could have come from the same individual. The flexibility of friction ridge skin means that no two finger or palm prints are ever exactly alike in every detail; even two impressions recorded immediately after each other from the same hand. Fingerprint identification, also referred to as individualization or fingerprint evidence, involves an expert, operating under threshold scoring rules, determining whether two friction ridge impressions are likely to have originated from the same finger or palm (or toe or sole).

Our experts have access to the latest forensic techniques to identify fingerprint evidence, preserve and extract prints from all manner of objects or exhibits. Identifiable marks can then be expertly assessed to help identify a victim, matches against a suspect or to provide investigators with an insight into how the crime occurred, based upon the available physical evidence.

Our analysts are experienced in peer-reviewing the work of ‘scene of crime officers’ and providing expert commentary upon conclusions – especially where approximations have been made based upon fingerprint evidence, partial-prints or statistical suggestions made of DNA uniqueness (e.g. 1 in 5 million). We are experienced in testing the reliability of key samples, considering the prospect of tampering or contamination, and presenting our findings in oral evidence in court.