Notes for CSI – Lecture 6 and 10

Lecture 6 – DNA Evidence

What is DNA?
- Genetic blueprint : instructions for making a functional organism
Purpose
- Copy itself so cells can carry the same information once they divide
- Carry instructions on how to make proteins so cells can function properly
What is DNA?
- Phosphate – sugar backbone
- Nucleobase (nucleotide)
- Helical structure
- Two strands linked together (hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotides (A= T and C=
G)
- Over 99,7% of the human genome is identical between individuals. The remaining has variation.
- DNA can be coding and non- coding
Coding DNA
Part of gene (axon) with instruction for proteins
- 2.5% of human genomic DNA
- Variation in phenotype (hair colour, eye colour, skin colour) is due to coding region mutations
- Since changes to DNA in coding regions can have serious consequences (e.g. disease) there is less
likely to be mutations compared to non-coding regions
Non- coding DNA
- Does not contain instructions for proteins
- BUT it’s not junk e.g. telomere at end of your chromosomes protect from deterioration during
replication
- No major consequences to DNa seqeucne changes means mutations are much more common.
- Increased mutation rates means that there are differences between individuals (useful for forensic
purposes)
Nuclear DNA
- Inside cell nucleus
- DIPLOID (2 copies)
Mitochondiral DNA
- Only 1 copy of mitochondrial DNA (haploid)
 - 36 genes (cellular respiration and energy reproduction)
- Inherited from mother
Why is DNA useful in forensics?
- Genome of each individual is unique (except identical twins and is inherited)
- DNA is present in biological materials commonly found at crime scenes.
- Forensic biologists analyse subsets of genetic variation to produce a DNA profile
- DNA profiles from evidence items (unknown/questioned) and reference samples (known, suspect,
victim) are comparable
Sources of DNA
- DNA is present in every nucleated cell and can be isolated from biological materials left at crime
scenes, even scenes subjected to extreme conditions
 Most common: skin cells, blood, semen and saliva
 Faecal matter, perspiration, teeth and bone, tissue, hair, items

DNA at Crime Scenes

DNA can assist in investigations through

- Identify
- Exclusion
- Linkage
- Characteristics of offender
- Evidence of crime
Important considerations need to consider when at crime scene regarding preservation
- Every contact leaves a trace
Secondary transfer of DNA can happen even if
person isn’t involved in crime scene
PPE
- PPE requirements for biological examinations
 PPE is put on before entering the scene/lab
 PPE remains on during the entire examination.
 Practical tip – always grab the wrist/cuff of latex gloves.
Sampling Handling

- Make sure to double glove and change outer gloves regularly, for e.g. after handling an exhibit or
collecting each biological sample.
- Avoid handling the area of the exhibit that will be sampled – even while wearing double gloves
- Use new pair of sterile scissors or tweezers as necessary
Phantom of Helibronn case* (case study)
Biological Examinations
2 types of biological examination
1. Crime scene examinations (on scene)
2. Exhibit examinations (in the lab)
Case context is required in order to be specific
during biological examinations for e.g.
Detectives from the homicide squad have
identified address x as a historical location
linked to a deceased individual. The post
mortem of the deceased individual revealed
substantial puncture wounds to the chest and back. How do you proceed with biological examination?
Exhibit Collection – considerations
1. Package exhibits separately where possible to maintain evidence integrity and avoid cross
contamination
2. Ensure evidence packaging material is suitable for biological evidence:
 Use paper bags, exhibits are stored at room temp. Prior to examination not chilled
 Plastic bags should be avoided. Water condenses in plastic, esp. in areas of high humidity. Water
can speed up DNA degradation.
3. Establish the chain of custody and ensure that evidence bags are labelled appropriately
 Always consider the laboratory examiner. What info will they need to know about the evidence
that has been packaged at the crime scene to appropriately plan their examination?
4. Biological stains need to be thoroughly dried prior to storage and should be kept cool and dry
where possible.
 This is done in drying cabinets
Biological Examinations at the Crime Scene
The Role of the CSI at the Scene
Searching for Biological Materials
The search process:
1. White light search – ambient light or white LED torch
2. Forensic Lght Source (FLS) Search – monochromatic light sources (polilight or poliflares)
Aim: to visualise potential biological materials – stains, hairs, etc)
- You are not searching for skin cells – you will not see them!
- You may find other types of forensic evidence during the search – latent fingerprints, fibres, paints
etc.
Searching FLS

Testing for Biological Materials

Presumptive Test
- Presumptive test is used to give an indication as to whether a biological stain might be present.
Characteristic of confirmatory tests include:
- Usually less sensitive than presumptive tests but are highly specific with the false positive rate
significantly decreased.
- Also more time consuming.
- Used to identify the presence of specific type of biological material – blood, semen or saliva.
- Characteristics of confirmatory tests include: usually less sensitive than presumptive tests but are
highly specific with the false positive rate significantly decreased.
- Also more time consuming
Physical Sub- sampling
Certain items are more difficult to sample for DNA. Some things require collection of a physical sub-sample
(cutting a sub sample of the target area and sending it to the lab)
Consider the following

Biological Sample Packaging

- All biological samples are packaged into AutoLys tubes (samples are placed in the inner tube):
1. Swabs
2. Tape lifts
3. Physical sub samples
- Once the sub sample is in the AutoLys tube, the tube is designated a unique sample barcode
number:
 A cardboard tag is placed around the tube and the barcode is attached.
The AutoLys tube is sealed in a biological sample envelope.

Biological Sample Storage

- Biological samples must be stored
appropriately at all times
- Store dry and cold to reduce the rate
of bacterial growth and degradation
of DNA: stored in fridge at 4 degree
celcsisu or freezer at 20 degrees
celsisu.
- Storage temperature depends on
storage time before DNA analysis.
Longer storage = lower storage temp.
 - Storage during transportation: DNA esky located in CSI vehicles and courier vehicles
- Exhibit storage facilities and forensic biology labs

DNA Profile Interpretation

Lecture 10 – Fire Investigations (guest lecture)

Fire Investigation and Research Unit
- Established in 1987 to investigate the origin and cause of fires
- Gather data, analyse info and disseminate intelligence
 Origin and cause of fires (O & C)
 Human behviour in fires
 Building behavior in fires
Health and Safety
- Conduct Dynamic Risk assessment prior to commencing your investigation
- Ensure incident scene is safe to conduct fire investigation.
- Ensure building is safe to conduct an investigation
Researchers
- Broaden scope of unit
- Analyse the built environment in terms of human behaviour and structural behaviour.
- Research impact and cost of fires to the organisation and community
- Repare technical documents
- Assist investigations in testing hypotheses through test burns.
Investigators
- Experienced firefighters with a range of qualifications
- Determine origin and cause (O & C) of fires
 - Use of scientific method to support O & C
- Gather intelligence
- Call in FETs according to police protocol

Guide on how to conduct fire investigations

91 and Kirk’s Fire Investigation (Books)
ALWAYS CHAT WITH BYSTANDERS
FIRU Response
- Investigators available 24/7 (Request through firecom – 93197000)
- Investigations work 4 days a week, 2 teams of 2, G and H?? (don’t know what he said)
- One shift Mon-Thurs, other Tue and Fri they swap
- Preferred option is to defer
Fire and Rescue NSW ACT 1989
General Functions of the Commissioner
How we investigate fires
- Provides guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation or analysis of
fire and explosion incidents
- Use of scientific method to develop hypotheses after the collecting and analysing data from an
incident.
- Provide an opinion with a level of certainty based on data
- 2 levels of certainty, probable >50%, possible <50%
- Drones are also used to investigate fires (they can give an overview of fires)
WHAT WE DON’T DO
- We don’t prosecute arson
- We don’t collect physical evidence
Logs are kept for attendance, names, contact details of attending FRNSW personnel).
HOW CAN FIRU ASSIST?
- Document findings given on USB
- Court statements  details document of the findings
- Can provide to ODPP or coroner for brief of occurrence.
- Can provide letter of opinion (LOO) or expert statement.
 Or ignition, burn patterns etc.
 Opinion is never 100% correct
NSW Police
- They have primary responsibility of invstigating acts of crime under the Crimes Act 1900.
Evidence of a crime include: deliberately lit fire (e.g. presence of ignitable liquids.