Axis
Problems addressed

Effectiveness

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Promising

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Description

DNA tests analyze genetic information through rigorous surveys (forensic studies) that makes it possible to detect, with a high level of certainty, the connection between the evidence and a specific person.
The use of DNA tests as part of police investigative work has increased substantially since their emergence in the 1980s. Initially used mainly in serious cases (e.g. homicides and rapes), the growth of DNA databases, as well as the reduction in associated costs, has expanded the possibility of comparing samples collected from crime scenes (with such databases) in a technically and financially viable way. Consequently, the use of these techniques to help solve other types of crime, such as property crimes, has expanded.
Aside from enabling the identification of suspects, DNA tests also plays a major role in preventing innocent people from being wrongly accused and arrested. One of the great advantages of using DNA tests is their accuracy when identifying suspects.

Country of application
  • United States
Evidence

A systematic review by the Campbell Collaboration located five impact evaluations on the use of DNA in investigations and found evidence that the use of genetic identification resulted in a greater number of suspects that were identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Of the 5 studies, 4 are quasi-experimental and only one is experimental. DNA tests tripled the chances of identifying a suspect and making an arrest, and doubled the likelihood of a case being accepted for prosecution.
Compared to the use of papilloscopic identification (fingerprints), DNA proved to be five times more efficient to identify suspects. The review found the strongest evidence of using DNA tests for property crimes and sex crimes.
The study also found that there is a positive association between the size of the local DNA database and the resolution rates for most types of crime [1].

Bibliography

[1] Wilson, D. B., Weisburd, D., McClure, D. (2011). Use of DNA testing in police investigative work for increasing offender identification, arrest, conviction and case clearance. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 7(1), 1–53. https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2011.7

Information Source

Evaluated cases

Why might the cases evaluated have different levels of effectiveness in relation to their respective type of solution?
Click here to understand why.

Some cases were not included in the evidence bank due to deficiencies detected in the methodology of their impact evaluations.
Click here to see the list

 

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