Title: Evaluating the role and impact of forensic DNA profiling on the criminal justice system

Current Structure: Ph.D. Research Project, Faculty of Science, UTS.

Supervisory Panel: Associate Professor Claude Roux

Centre for Forensic Sciences, UTS

Mr Alistair Ross

Director, National Institute of Forensic Sciences, Australia

Professor Olivier Ribaux

Institut de Police Scientifique et de Criminologie

University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Dr John Buckleton

Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand

Support Agencies: Australian Federal Police

Australian Institute of Criminology

NSW Police Force – Forensic Services

CrimTrac Agency

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Aim:

§  To empirically evaluate the role and impact of DNA profiling in the criminal justice system of major Australian jurisdictions. Undertake a cross-jurisdictional comparison which includes New Zealand, Switzerland and France. Develop a predictive model to assess the potential of future technological, legislative and public policy developments

Immediate Objectives:

§  Provide framework for collaboration across disciplines within the Australian criminal justice system.

§  Form partnerships and seek funding.

§  Describe landscape within which DNA operates as a tool of the CJS, noting key decision points, jurisdictional differences and data sources.

§  Introduce the expertise of contemporary crime analysis, developed at the University of Lausanne, to the Australian jurisdiction

Timeline:

§  2002 - Establish partnerships, secure funding, academic visit to University of Lausanne

§  2003 - Gather data, analyse initial cohorts (design models)

§  2004 - Continue data collection, complete analysis (computerisation), submit thesis

Brief Description:

DNA profiling is arguably the most powerful and rapidly developing forensic investigative tool of our generation. Its use is not without controversy however, due largely to its enormous potential to convict. Successful use of forensic DNA profiling relies in part on the maintenance of a reliable position in the eyes of the public and those associated with the provision of criminal justice. A means of achieving this is to justify the use of DNA profiling in terms of the key outcomes of the criminal justice system (CJS), namely crime rate, and net crime reduction potential. Presently, it is not possible to do this other than through anecdotal reference or association to individual cases.

This project aims to undertake a comprehensive examination of the role and impact of forensic DNA profiling on the key components of the criminal justice system, comparing it where possible to other investigative and intelligence tools. Following specific considerations at various phases of the criminal justice system, the aim is to combine the data into a computerised model which will simulate the overall use and impact of forensic DNA profiling in the CJS. The “DNA model” will evaluate the use and benefits of forensic DNA profiling as well as making the purpose of its applications more transparent. Perhaps more importantly, the model will integrate forensic, police and justice system data with the view of guiding strategy in these areas towards the most efficient use of this remarkable technology.

Target Outcomes:

§  Collation of unique data which will aid present debate and future strategy surrounding the use of forensic DNA profiling in Australia and overseas

§  Amalgamate multi-disciplinary expertise to afford a system-wide appraisal of this issue

§  Inform the scientific and legal community through the publication of refereed articles (four anticipated) and presentations at international symposia (three anticipated)

References (available upon request):

§  Walsh SJ. DNA evidence and criminal justice: the changing debate. In press at Australasian Science, submitted September 2002.

§  Walsh SJ, Roux C, Ross A, Ribaux O, Buckleton JS. Forensic DNA profiling – beyond identification. Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 30 August 2002.

§  Walsh SJ, Roux C, Buckleton JS, Ribaux O, Ross A. Examining the impact of forensic DNA profiling in major areas of the Australian criminal justice system. Proceedings XVI ANZFSS International Symposium for Forensic Sciences, May 2002, Canberra, Australia.

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This document provides only a summary description of the research currently being undertaken by our team. We feel this research is relevant to the present inquiry, particularly Part 1D. Due to time and travel constraints a more thorough submission was not possible, please accept our apologies for subsequent inconvenience. If we can be of further assistance, or should you wish us to provide additional information, please do not hesitate to contact:

Simon J. Walsh

University of Technology, Sydney

PO Box 123

Broadway, NSW, 2007

Ph: 02 9514 1743

Ah: 0418 208 071

Email:

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