Linzi Wilson-Wilde

Current issues in species identification for forensic science and the validity of using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene.

Species identification techniques commonly utilized in Australian Forensic Science laboratories are gel immunodifussion antigen antibody reactions and hair comparison analysis. Both of these techniques have significant limitations and should be considered indicative opinion based tests. The Barcode of Life Initiative aims to sequence a section of DNA (~648 base pairs) for the Cytochrome Oxidase I mitochondrial gene (COI) in all living species on Earth, with the data generated being uploaded to the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) which can then be used for species identification. The COI gene therefore offers forensics scientists an opportunity to use the marker to analyze unknown samples and compare sequences generated in BOLD. Once sequences from enough species are on the database, it is anticipated that routine identification of an unknown species may be possible. However, most forensic laboratories are not yet suited to this type of analysis and do not have the expertise to fully interpret the implications of matches and non matches involving a poorly sampled taxa (for example where there are cryptic species) and in providing the required opinion evidence. Currently, the use of BOLD is limited by the number of relevant species held in the database and the quality assurance and regulation of sequences that are there. In this paper, the COI methodology and BOLD are tested on a selection of introduced and Australian mammals in a forensic environment as the first step necessary in the implementation of this approach in the Australian context. Our data indicates that the COI methodology performs well on distinct species but needs further exploration when identifying more closely related species. It is evident from our study that changes will be required to implement DNA based wildlife forensics using the BOLD approach for forensic applications and recommendations are made for the future adoption of this technology into forensic laboratories.

The Development of a Core Forensic Standards Framework for Australia

ABSTRACT Forensic laboratories, and less so field forensic organizations, are familiar with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other standards principally through third-party accreditation against ISO 17025. However, there are a limited number of forensic-specific standards. The often quoted 2009 National Research Council (NRC) and National Academies (NAS) report on strengthening forensic science identified the lack of formal standards as a major issue. Where such standards do exist, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM International) forensic standards, they are usually very specific to a particular technique. This paper describes the development of a different approach in Australia. Recognizing the end-to-end nature of the forensic enterprise from crime scene to the court, a standard has been developed that is intentionally not discipline-specific. In four parts, this standard (AS 5388) covers the recognition, recording, recovery, transport and storage of material (Part 1,) the analysis of material (Part 2), interpretation (Part 3), and reporting (Part 4). The management of the process that was used to develop this standard is described, and lessons for the future development of standards identified and discussed. Finally, how this standard can be used as a platform for the development of discipline standards and as an international standard is discussed.

Legislative and Policy Implications for the use of Rapid DNA Technology in the Australian Context

ABSTRACT Recent advancements in DNA analysis have seen the emergence of Rapid DNA technology. This technology effectively combines the laboratory analytical processes involved in DNA analysis into one step: sample in to result out. This is achieved in a much shorter timeframe than standard DNA analysis; typically in about 1.5 hr. Rapid DNA technology has the potential to be used outside of the laboratory environment and, in some cases, be truly portable. There are numerous legislative and policy considerations by management for the implementation of this type of technology. This will include implications, applications, and limitations of these types of instruments, including validation and policy issues, legal questions, integration to databases, and accreditation requirements.

Repetitive deliberate fires: Development and validation of a methodology to detect series

The detection of repetitive deliberate fire events is challenging and still often ineffective due to a case-by-case approach. A previous study provided a critical review of the situation and analysis of the main challenges. This study suggested that the intelligence process, integrating forensic data, could be a valid framework to provide a follow-up and systematic analysis provided it is adapted to the specificities of repetitive deliberate fires. In this current manuscript, a specific methodology to detect deliberate fires series, i.e. set by the same perpetrators, is presented and validated. It is based on case profiles relying on specific elements previously identified. The method was validated using a dataset of approximately 8000 deliberate fire events collected over 12 years in a Swiss state. Twenty possible series were detected, including 6 of 9 known series. These results are very promising and lead the way to a systematic implementation of this methodology in an intelligence framework, whilst demonstrating the need and benefit of increasing the collection of forensic specific information to strengthen the value of links between cases.

The international development of forensic science standards — A review

Standards establish specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform as intended. Standards can be used in the accreditation of forensic laboratories or facilities and in the certification of products and services. In recent years there have been various international activities aiming at developing forensic science standards and guidelines. The most significant initiative currently underway within the global forensic community is the development of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This paper reviews the main bodies working on standards for forensic science, the processes used and the implications for accreditation. This paper specifically discusses the work of ISO Technical Committee TC272, the future TC272 work program for the development of forensic science standards and associated timelines. Also discussed, are the lessons learnt to date in navigating the complex environment of multi-country stakeholder deliberations in standards development.

The Analysis of Australian Proficiency Test Data over a Ten-Year Period

ABSTRACT Recent criticism of forensic science has focused on the fundamental aspects of the science, including supporting empirical studies, validation, accreditation, limitations and error rates. Proficiency tests are an essential component of accreditation and can be used to evaluate performance and identify systematic issues within components of the service provision. 3,176 CTS proficiency tests undertaken between 2005 and 2015 by Australian government service providers were collated. These tests represent 43 unique CTS test types, covering 21 disciplines. The results for 262 tests were not submitted; the remaining 2,914 tests involved 32,208 comparisons and 21,187 results which were analyzed to determine the accuracy rates and error rates for each of the 21 disciplines. The results demonstrate that errors exist even though practitioners know they are examining a proficiency test and the tests are reviewed. This study illustrates the need to monitor trends in proficiency test results and also highlights the need for well-designed, relevant, blind error rate studies to determine the approximate error rates for casework.