Criminal Investigation 1: Fingerprint and DNA Analysis Report

This report provides an overview of fingerprint and DNA analysis within the context of criminal investigations. It begins by outlining the historical background of both methods, tracing their development and early applications. The report then delves into the usage and functions of fingerprinting and DNA analysis, explaining how they are employed to identify suspects and gather evidence at crime scenes. Following this, the report discusses the limitations of these forensic techniques, acknowledging potential inaccuracies and constraints. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges these methods face in court, particularly concerning the admissibility of evidence and the importance of adhering to specific standards like the Frye and Daubert standards to avoid wrongful convictions. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of these technologies in modern investigations while cautioning against their misuse, underscoring the need for careful application to ensure justice is served.

Running head: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
Fingerprint and DNA analysis
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note

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Table of Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Discussion:.................................................................................................................................2
Historical background:...........................................................................................................2
Usage and function:................................................................................................................2
Limitations:.............................................................................................................................3
Challenges in court:................................................................................................................3
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................4
Reference....................................................................................................................................5

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Introduction:
This report identifies the scientific principles applied on the suspect identification of a
crime scene. The forensic department are taking certain policies re4gardimng the
identification and it has been stated that they are adopting policies on finger print comparison
and DNA analysis. This report has attempted to chalk out the historical background of these
methods and functions of the same. It has also mentioned the limitations of the method and
certain steps have been provided to challenge the legitimacy of these methods.
Discussion:
Historical background:
The history of fingerprints has a long history and it has been observed at first in 1000
to 2000 B.C. In the year 1823, Johannes Evangelista Purkinje had given nine different
patterns of fingerprint and it has been stated by him that this method can be sufficient to catch
the clue regarding the real offender. In 1892, an Argentine cop applied the fingerprint
identification for the first time. This technology has been used in USA rapidly since 1903
(Anthonioz & Champod, 2014).
DNA analysis is another modern process of criminal investigation. The process begins
with Sir Alex Jeffrey in the year 1984 and it has been mentioned by him that the DNA
profiling is trustworthy as 99% of the sample are common regarding the DNA. It is true that
the biological materials are the most reliable evidence and in 1987, Florida police had
arrested Tommie Lee for the first time based on the DNA analysis (Norton et al., 2015).

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Usage and function:
In DNA analysis, the blood, saliva, vaginal lubrications or related substances are
being collected that has been found from the crime spot or from the victims and based on
these issue, the forensic departments tried to find out the real culprit. First methods of DNA
analysis is RFLP methods where the DNA was collected from the cells. Process of AmpFLP,
the identification process has become smoother. Genetic determination is also included under
the process (Fu et al., 2013).
Fingerprints are taken on a paper by applying ink. With the change of times and
development of the modern technologies, fingerprints are taken on the biometrics. It is based
on a database and the system regarding the same has been known as Automated Fingerprints
Identification System. The fingerprint is also collected by plastic prints. It is examined on a
transparent microscope slide (Chen et al., 2015).
Limitations:
These methods are suffering from certain limitations. The validity of the substances
are based on the analytical power of the investigator and if the proper clues are not being
identified, the dispute could not be resolved. There are certain divisions in the methods that
has to be properly understood. It is a fact that the ballistic fingerprinting could not identify a
gun. Similar thing happened to the DNA analysis.
Challenges in court:
Forensic evidence is based on operational problems and structural shortcomings.
Forensic methods are to be used correctly to avoid the custody of innocent person and ensure
that the justice could not be denied. In USA, two standards are being maintained i.e. the Frye
and Daubert standard. If the scientific practices are applied on emergency base, it could lead
towards a fatal consequence and can be challenged.

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Conclusion:
Therefore, it can be conclude that these methods are based on modern technology and
can be facilitate the process of investigation. However, they should be applied with utmost
care so that there should not be any injustice.

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Reference
Anthonioz, N. E., & Champod, C. (2014). Evidence evaluation in fingerprint comparison and
automated fingerprint identification systems—Modeling
between finger variability. Forensic science international, 235,
86-101.
Chen, X., Xu, W., Zhang, L., Bai, X., Cui, S., Zhou, D., ... & Kim, D. H. (2015). Large
Upconversion Enhancement in the “Islands” Au–Ag
Alloy/NaYF4: Yb3+, Tm3+/Er3+ Composite Films, and
Fingerprint Identification. Advanced Functional
Materials, 25(34), 5462-5471.
Fu, Q., Meyer, M., Gao, X., Stenzel, U., Burbano, H. A., Kelso, J., & Pääbo, S. (2013). DNA
analysis of an early modern human from Tianyuan Cave,
China. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, 110(6), 2223-2227.
Norton, M. E., Jacobsson, B., Swamy, G. K., Laurent, L. C., Ranzini, A. C., Brar, H., ... &
Cuckle, H. (2015). Cell-free DNA analysis for noninvasive
examination of trisomy. New England Journal of
Medicine, 372(17), 1589-1597.