DNA transfer within forensic exhibit packaging: Potential for DNA loss and relocation

Leading-edge forensic DNA analyses and the necessity of including crime scene investigators, police officers and technicians in a DNA elimination database

“…This heightened level of sensitivity is clearly observed in "the gloves" case (case B), where a shared glove box introduced contamination onto a crime scene that was completely unrelated to the technician whose genetic profile was detected. This event is not unique however, as contamination through secondary transfer has already been found to occur between crime scene packaging material and the crime scene items contained inside of them [14].…”

Secondary and subsequent DNA transfer during criminal investigation

“…This concern is gaining increased attention. Several studies have been conducted to investigate secondary transfer [2][3][4][5]. Goray et al [6] found that the types of primary and secondary substrates, the level of moistness of the sample and the manner of contact, all played important roles in transfer of DNA.…”

The complexities of DNA transfer during a social setting

“…Scenarios incorporating multiple DNA transfer steps, rather than direct transfer, are increasingly being raised in court as potential means for the presence of the defendants DNA at the crime scene or on a piece of evidence. This has prompted several investigations into DNA transfer under very controlled and semi-controlled conditions [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]; however little is published about DNA transfer in ''uncontrolled'' or real life situations. The benefit of conducting controlled experiments is that it allows for the impact of specific variables to be investigated independently.…”