Breaking Down the Double Helix: A Crime Lab Perspective on Post-Conviction DNA Testing

Dean M. GialamasPresident, American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)Director, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Forensic Science Services Division

NIJ DNA Case Management SymposiumJanuary 22, 2009Palm Harbor, FL

DNA and Post-Conviction Cases

•No single forensic discipline has had more impact on post-conviction cases than DNA

•Technology advancement has brought a sense of both excitement and disappointment to the criminal justice community

•Databases, and in particular the sharing of information, has been the most remarkable impact to solving (and preventing) crime in forensic science

Crime Lab Post-Conviction Issues•Case identification and evaluation•Locating and preserving evidence

▫Case record review•Laboratory testing

▫Evidence selection▫Technology selection▫Laboratory selection▫Database “technology”▫Reporting and notification

Locating and Preserving Evidence• Locate and review evidence chain of custody documentation

▫ Evidence may also be in courts, police property rooms, hospitals, medical examiner offices, and private labs

• Locate and review the laboratory case file, including all crime scene and laboratory reports and notes▫ Previously prepared sample splits▫ Sample extracts remaining from original or previous lab

analyses▫ Determine if other laboratory analyses would have evidence

remaining (e.g., micro slides)• Also consider the need for reference samples

▫ May need to obtain secondary reference samples• Communication and collaboration with the local crime lab may

be key in locating evidence

Laboratory Testing• Evidence Selection

▫ Determine what probative question needs to be answered and if the current state of technology can answer that question Evidence may not be limited to items previously

examined – may include samples not tested, biological samples previously not detected, or samples previously unsuitable for testing

▫ DNA is not the “be all” technology Determine if other forensic disciplines can answer the

probative question Other disciplines may corroborate/refute witness

testimony or may be faster, cheaper▫ Use your experts to assist – whether a local crime

lab or privately retained

Laboratory Testing• Technology Selection

▫Determine what technology was previously used and the conclusions formed (e.g., inconclusive results)

▫Determine if and/or what current technology will answer the probative questions (e.g., nuclear-STR’s, Y-STR’s, mt-DNA, mini-STR’s)

▫Consider touch/trace DNA sampling and testing

▫Consider non-traditional DNA samples for testing

Traditional Sources of DNA• Blood White blood cells• Semen Spermatozoa and other cells• Vaginal fluid Cells in lining• Saliva Cells that line the mouth• Skin tissue Nucleated skin cells• Hair Roots with attached cells• Urine Cells shed in the liquid• Bone• Teeth

Where We Also Find DNA

• Drink Containers• Food / Candy

Wrappers• Toothpicks• Straws• Gloves• Cables / Cords• Jewelry Boxes

• Caps and Hats• Clothing• Cigarette Butts• Doors &

Windows• Handled Tools

and Weapons• Zip Ties and

Rope• Rocks

Laboratory Testing• Laboratory Selection

▫Determine which laboratory will be selected or agreed upon for the analysis of the evidence Experience, accreditation, technology available,

location▫Consider cost implications for private labs

(analysis and testimony) Federally funded assistance programs

▫Consider resource implications for public labs Current workload issues and backlogs

▫Determine if the analysis will need to be supervised or monitored and by whom

▫Weigh benefits and disadvantages of consuming samples and, more importantly, who makes that call

Laboratory Testing• Database “Technology”

▫Determine if profiles can/should be uploaded to CODIS Consider new NDIS upload rules for private lab

sample testing in July 2009▫Determine if profiles can/should be run against

any local or regional databases▫Limitations of DNA databases

Qualifying samples in database Partial matching / familial searching

considerations▫RFLP, DQ-, Y-STR’s, and mt-DNA not

compatible with current DNA databases

Laboratory Testing

•Reporting and Notification▫Laboratory report distribution may

vary by local protocol or mandate▫Determine who will receive reports and/or

notifications on testing progress and results

▫Determine when and how the information will be shared with all interested parties

Effective Post-Conviction TestingSome of the most important tools to a successful

post-conviction review process include:

Excellent coordination and communication amongst those involved (prosecutor, defense attorney, and crime

lab)

Well defined and articulated procedures or protocols for handling post-conviction cases

Knowledgeable understanding of forensic science technology or availability of experts to assist

The Power of Physical Evidence: The Silent Witness

Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothing, the glass he

breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget… Only physical

evidence is infallible, and then only when it is properly recognized, studied, and interpreted.

- Paul Kirk .