Police investigators and forensics: Too easy to make mistakes?

[<rms () computerbytesman com>]

'When you get trace DNA it is incredibly difficult to interpret and that is
the key point.'
Alan Baker, forensic scientist

McCann: forensics warning
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/society/law_order/mccann+forensics+war
ning/784652

Experts are urging caution be used over forensic evidence, that may lie at
the centre of the Madeleine McCann investigation. 

The recent charging of Kate and Gerry McCann in Portugal, naming them as
'arguidos', is reportedly based upon two samples of forensic evidence
received by the Portuguese police. 

However British forensic experts are urging that caution be used, until the
full facts of the case are known. 

There are two samples of DNA that have come under spotlight recently, one is
believed to be from the apartment in the Algarve where Madeleine
disappeared; and the second focuses on a hire care rented by the McCanns 25
days after her disappearance. 

However it is the nature of the DNA that is raising doubts. If both samples
were a close match, than the implications upon the case would be "immense". 

Yet it is possible the DNA found in the car was just a smear or "trace"
sample, which could have come a wider range of sources - including a McCann
family member's own blood. 

Alan Baker, a forensic scientist who provides expert evidence in court
cases, warns: 

"If they have just found traces of DNA in the vehicle or the flat then that
offers up all sorts of explanations, and you have to look at how it could
have got there.

"When you get trace DNA it is incredibly difficult to interpret and that is
the key point."



_______________________________________________
Fun and Misc security discussion for OT posts.
https://linuxbox.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/funsec
Note: funsec is a public and open mailing list.