SPA scientists now able to identify DNA in weaker samples

Established within the Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh, scientists working at the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) Forensic Services laboratories are now able to obtain the samples using Scotland’s DNA24/GlobalFiler technology which looks at 24 areas of a person’s DNA – an increase from the 11 areas that made up previous DNA profiling technology and an advance on the 17 areas which is the European standard.

Tom Nelson, director of SPA Forensic Services, said: “DNA24 provides the criminal justice system in Scotland with the most sensitive and informative DNA profiling results currently possible. It offers a major step forward in enhancing the contribution forensic services can make to the pursuit of justice in Scotland.

“This technology will be particularly invaluable in processing samples for cold cases. The recent successful prosecution in the Worlds End murder trial demonstrates how DNA technology can be vital in getting justice for victims and their families long after the crime has been committed.

“The detailed analysis offered by DNA24 will be pivotal in processing DNA samples which have been held on file for many years and which are likely to be of poorer quality.

”This technology, powered by the skills and expertise of trained forensic services staff, is an innovative way forward for science in Scotland. However, it will also allow the authorities in Scotland to reach back in time, with the potential to rekindle justice for those who had all but given up hope.”

Deputy chief constable, crime and operational Support, Iain Livingstone, said: “In a perfect world, every crime scene would give us a complete DNA sample each and every time but unfortunately crime scenes do not always give us that luxury and this new technology will be vital in helping us catch more perpetrators of crime.

“In addition, the ability to now get DNA matches from older or degraded samples is of particular interest to Police Scotland as it can help us prosecute criminals who may have thought they had gotten away with their crimes.”