Dna in Criminal Investigation

Since its discovery in the 1980’s, the application of DNA has been utilized in many ways. When Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA is examined, a precise decoding of genetic information is revealed. With the exception of identical twins, every person’s genetic code (commonly referred to as a Genetic Fingerprint) is inherited and unique. From Maury advising men everyday on TV “You ARE the Father!” or “You are NOT the Father!” to learning the descendents of former slaves are related to President Thomas Jefferson, we have come to rely upon and expect the accuracy of DNA. DNA almost immediately transformed the American Criminal Justice System. Law Enforcement, District Attorneys, Defense Attorneys, Criminal Court and Family Court all work with DNA on a daily basis. DNA that can be utilized in a criminal investigation may be collected from a crime scene in many different forms: skin tissue, hair, blood, semen, saliva, vaginal fluid, anything that may be collected from a human that may contain cells can be utilized and tested for DNA. DNA testing is the most accurate form of scientific evidence available. Results and accuracy are measured within millionths of a percent. The accuracy of fingerprints, the method for forensic identification that has been utilized for over one hundred years cannot match DNA. The process for utilizing DNA in criminal investigation requires the match of two samples, one from the suspect and one collected from the crime scene. Once these two DNA samples are collected they are sent off to a lab. The samples are extracted, studied and compared. If there is a match it becomes irrefutable evidence that the suspect was at the scene where the evidence was collected. One of the most compelling stories of the use of DNA in criminal investigation is the case known as The Bike Path Rapist. There had been many unsolved rapes committed in a Buffalo, New York park dating back from 1981. Anthony Capozzi, a man who had been diagnosed with