CRJS478IP4 - Research Paper Example

DNA profiling includes the extraction of the DNA from a specimen and separating the molecule to fragments. Since DNA varies from one individual to another, the patterns formed by the fragments are different and unique to the individual. DNA profiling is used expansively in the detection and prevention of crime as well as ensuring that prosecutions are safe (McDonald & Lehman, 2011). DNA profiling is important in the law enforcement process because it offers the possibility of determining whether biological materials found at the crime scene belong to the person suspected of committing the crime.

The process can be utilized in identifying rapists in sexual assault cases. The main advantage of DNA profiling as compared to other serological tests is that DNA tests can be conducted with more accuracy. DNA profiling is more specific compared to other tests such as HLA and ABO typing. A DNA profile can be obtained from the tinniest body tissue found at the scene and this makes DNA profiling desirable since only very little evidence is needed (Toom, 2012). In rape case investigations, relevant evidence that can be collected from the scene include used condoms, clothes, sheets and other physical evidence such as hair, skin fibers and trace evidence.

In rape cases, there are two crime scenes, which are the place the act took place and the victims’ body. Evidence from both these environments is essential to investigations. Used condoms often contain body fluids, especially semen, and this can be helpful in identifying the perpetrator through the use of DNA profiling. Clothes and sheets also have biological material from both the victim and the perpetrator and analysis of these can yield sufficient information to form a profile of the perpetrator.

Likewise the other physical evidence and trace evidence would probably have body cells from the perpetrator of the crime and these