DNA Test – The CSI Effect

Thanks to the popularity of TV show CSI, some criminals are getting better at covering their tracks despite the DNA test.

The DNA test on TV

The DNA test is becoming more and more popular in solving crime if TV shows such as Crime Scene Investigation are to be believed. It seems crimes are immediately solved thanks to some fibres or DNA left on the crime scene by the perpetrator. But shows such as CSI have been accused of helping criminals cover their tracks by becoming more aware of how not to leave DNA on the crime scene.

The CSI effect

What has been dubbed as the CSI effect is being taken seriously in America. A prosecutor in Oregon told The Guardian newspaper that rapists are now bringing bleach with them to effectively sanitise the crime scene. In one manslaughter case, two women were convicted of killing an older woman in their care before dumping the body in a ravine. They were huge fans of CSI and bragged to their friends that the police would never prove the crime.

The DNA test on crime scenes

Forensic science that uses a DNA test in crime scenes has advanced in recent years. The DNA test, known as DNA fingerprinting, means there has never been a more challenging time for criminals. They have to work harder to avoid shedding damning biological clues that link them to the crime. Soon the DNA test will have evolved so much in forensic crime that they will be able to build a 3D image of the suspect, down to the colour of their eyes. But there is also always the possibility of specimens and a DNA test getting mixed up or sabotaged.

Caught by a DNA test

Crime still needs old fashioned detective work too. Criminals may be learning what not to leave behind at crime scenes to avoid being caught by a DNA test, but in Ohio a man was still charged with murdering a mother and daughter without leaving DNA traces because he was given away by an ex-girlfriend.

No DNA evidence

The problem however has also leaked into the jury system. Forensic programmes on TV are so concerned with hair, sweat or fabrics for a DNA test that prosecutors have said jurors are increasingly reluctant to convict without hi-tech forensic evidence, whereas in many cases there is no clear DNA evidence.

Guilty of not being good looking enough

Of course a DNA test in real life can be incredibly useful in everyday scenarios such as proving paternity - not just in crime scenes. And it is worth keeping TV clichés in perspective. Otherwise, everyone would expect forensic scientists to be fantastically handsome men and amazingly glamorous women.

International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA test services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA test at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.

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