Investigating a Common Approach to DNA Profile Interpretation Using Probabilistic Software

• NCJ Number: 249334
• Journal: Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 16 Dated: May 2015 Pages: 121-131
• Author(s): Stuart Cooper; Catherine McGovern; Jo-Anne Bright; Duncan Taylor; John Buckleton
• Date Published: May 2015
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-DN-BX-K541
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Population Genetic Issues for Forensic DNA Profiles

Annotation

This study examined the concordance in profile interpretation of three crime samples by 20 different analysts across 12 different international laboratories using STRmix.

Abstract

Recently there has been a drive for standardization of DNA profile interpretation within and between different forensic laboratories. The continuous interpretation software STRmix has been adopted for use by laboratories in Australia and New Zealand for profile interpretation. The three profiles selected for the current study exhibited a range of template and complexity. The use of probabilistic software has compelled a level of concordance between different analysts; however, there remain differences within profile interpretation, particularly with the objective assignment of the number of contributors to profiles. (Publisher abstract modified)