DNA profiling is a cutting-edge technique that can be used to identify people based on their unique genetic composition. People may have similar eye and hair colors, as well as facial traits, but they will not have the same DNA.

As a result, the procedure may be effective in more precisely investigating crimes. While DNA is a significant aspect in determining the reason for a crime, it is not the only one.

 When it comes to investigating crimes, other parts of criminal investigation, such as forensic psychology, remain vital. We’ll also look at forensic psychologists’ roles, their impact on criminal justice, and their future prospects.

What Is DNA Profiling?

The collection of relevant DNA samples is the initial stage in DNA profiling. Only a few cells from a person’s skin or hair root — or physiological fluids like blood, saliva, or sperm — are required to create a unique DNA profile.

During police investigations, DNA is frequently recovered at crime sites, and people of interest may be asked to voluntarily provide a DNA sample. The courts can order a suspect to produce a DNA sample if there is a substantial amount of evidence against them.

After collecting samples, forensic experts copy the DNA from cells in bodily fluids or tissues. They next use capillary electrophoresis to separate the copied marks. This allows them to recognize distinct markers as well as the amount of repeats for each marker in each allele.

The History of DNA Profiling

Forensic scientists have spent years developing the highly accurate testing processes that allow for examples like the ones above. Short tandem repeats, or STRs, are used in today’s processes.

 In today’s modern forensics, a single STR is three to five DNA nucleotides long. Previously, longer repetitive portions of bases, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands, were necessary.

When DNA was isolated and fragmented in the past, it was also labeled with radioactive phosphorus and then studied with X-ray-sensitive film. The entire procedure took between six and eight weeks.

Due to the transition to STRs, the process is now more streamlined. The move from gel electrophoresis to capillary electrophoresis to separate DNA has also improved DNA profiling efficiency.

Gel electrophoresis cannot sustain electric fields greater than 50 volts, whereas capillary electrophoresis can apply voltages up to 40,000 volts, cutting separation time in half.

Today’s DNA Profiling Procedure

Advanced DNA profiling is made possible by advancements in the tools and techniques for collecting and analyzing DNA. The growth of database technology is another factor to consider.

When law enforcement officers have access to vast amounts of DNA data kept in computer systems, they have a better chance of identifying matches for evidence collected at crime scenes.

A sample identity, a processing lab identifier, and the actual DNA profile are all included in each CODIS profile.

CODIS can be used by law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions to coordinate investigations and share leads.

CODIS matches enable law enforcement to track down a suspect’s identification.

Other types of databases, like genealogy databases, have been used by the criminal court system to identify suspects in recent years. Private companies sell home dna test kit that anyone can use to learn more about their genetic heritage.

Users are frequently encouraged to contribute their data for genealogical purposes by these companies. That helps people to make friends and even connect with distant relatives.

Benefits of DNA Profiling in the Criminal Justice System

 Forensic psychology, for example, is still an important aspect of the procedure. This use of psychology in the legal field is essential for law enforcement to gain a better understanding of criminal behavior. Forensic psychologists can assist in determining who committed a crime and why.

It can also be used to figure out why someone committed a crime in a specific way, such as by using a specific weapon. Forensic psychologists may also work in victim advocacy or deal with the impact of crimes on victims.

These databases have the ability to improve inquiry efficiency while also ensuring that all requirements are met.

Individuals’ freedom and privacy are guaranteed by law, and forced submission of all individuals, including those not implicated in illegal actions, is an infringement of those rights.

Furthermore, such a large-scale undertaking is not cost-effective. It would necessitate the creation of a database containing the DNA profiles of the whole population, including those under investigation, on trial, and convicted criminals.

The bottom line

New inventions will strive to offer more science to criminal investigations, and it is never too late to adapt them to our criminal justice system.

The best accessible scientific technique for uncovering the truth is DNA profiling, but its limited admissibility in our criminal justice system has reduced its ‘benefit’ and reduced it to a waste of resources.

Through judicial endorsements, a progressive and proactive judge can elevate it to the status of primary evidence.