Partners NewsFour days of invaluable experience and knowledge on DNA analysis
DNA analysis plays a vital role within the criminal justice system, not only at a national level, but also at the European level. The application of more complex software requires additional skills and understanding in statistical methods and theory. This is particularly important for the forensic DNA expert, who links the laboratory process and the interpretation of DNA analysis results to the further investigative and judicial process, where this information can be vital to reach a verdict in court proceedings.
From 18 – 21 October 2022, the CEPOL onsite course 86/2022/ONS: Analysis of Complex DNA Profiles,took place in Riga, Latvia. The course was organised by the State Police of Latvia in cooperation with the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI)
DNA Expert Working Group.
Law enforcement officials from Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain had the opportunity to enhance their understanding of DNA analysis. Keynote experts from the Oslo University Hospital and the Netherlands Forensic Institute shared their knowledge and expertise about the following topics: theoretical aspects of analysis of DNA mixtures and likelihood ratios, sessions on the evaluation of evidence and how to write a statement, practical information and demonstrations of the EuroForMix software and functionalities, as well as EuroForMix exercises. Also, participants learned about CaseSolver, a software solution for complex case management, and about main functionalities and practical exercises of DNAxs & DNAStatistX, and dicussed best practices in automated software testing.
According to Andrejs Siņavins , Director of the Latvian State Police Forensic Service Department,
Both participants and trainers were satisfied with the course, in terms of content and organisation, and many indicated that the important knowledge and skills acquired would be very useful in their daily work. Many also expressed their wish to visit Rīga in the future and dedicate more time to explore the city.
A ’take home exercise’ was also planned for the participants, to encourage the use of their new skills in their daily work. The experts would follow up on the completion and results of this exercise during a one and a half hours online meeting in November 2022, to discuss the exercise and respond to questions.
Author: State Police of Latvia
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