Streamlined Forensic Reporting

Transcription

1 Streamlined Forensic Reporting what you need to know Dr L Jane Bloor BSc, PhD Senior Manager

2 SFR Stage 1 The SFR stage 1 is not an expert s report requiring the level of detail specified in Crim. PR19. It is a summary of evidence which could be served for the purpose of obtaining a section 10 admission, or to enable the Defence to simply identify the real issues for trial. SFR1 evidence is not intended to be presented at trial because the expert may not have been asked to conduct a full analysis of the exhibits or reached a final conclusion. In fact, those completing the SFR1 may not be experts at all, but be members of police staff transcribing findings onto a form

3 SFR Stage 1 The SFR stage 1 is not an expert s report requiring the level of detail specified in Crim. PR19. It is a summary of evidence which could be served for the purpose of obtaining a section 10 admission, or to enable the Defence to simply identify the real issues for trial. SFR1 evidence is not intended to be presented at trial because the expert may not have been asked to conduct a full analysis of the exhibits or reached a final conclusion. In fact, those completing the SFR1 may not be experts at all, but be members of police staff transcribing findings onto a form

4 SFR Stage 1 The SFR stage 1 is not an expert s report requiring the level of detail specified in Crim. PR19. It is a summary of evidence which could be served for the purpose of obtaining a section 10 admission, or to enable the Defence to simply identify the real issues for trial. SFR1 evidence is not intended to be presented at trial because the expert may not have been asked to conduct a full analysis of the exhibits or reached a final conclusion. In fact, those completing the SFR1 may not be experts at all, but by members of police staff transcribing findings onto a form

5 What does SFR1 look like? SFR1 is a nationally consistent forensic report.the format of SFR1 makes it easy to recognise in the evidence bundle.

6 SFR1 DNA match report

7 SFR1 DNA match report

8 SFR in forensic computing

9 SFR1 Toxicology report

10 SFR1 questioned handwriting

11 What you need to know? 1. Ask yourself at what stage in the process of forensic investigation/evaluation has the SFR1 been prepared? Is it a test result or an opinion?

12 Defence response to SFR1 Only two options: Agree SFR1 such that it can be adduced by way of admission, OR Defence identify the reason(s) the defendant cannot accept the conclusions of the SFR1 Identification of the issues expert help

13 Response to SFR1 challenge You are quite right in querying the examination. The subject states that no sexual contact took place but the suspect says he had consensual sex with her It is therefore up to the Defence to prove that intercourse took place so we will not be paying for the work.

14 What you need to know? 1. Ask yourself at what stage in the process of forensic investigation/evaluation has the SFR1 been prepared? 2. An SFR1 cannot be adduced as evidence at trial unless your client agrees it.

15 CASE example SFR1s in IIOC cases May not see an SFR1 Content of SFR1 variable Check SFR1 findings

16 CASE example SFR1 in IIOC case

17 CASE example 2: SFR1 & glass evidence

18 CASE example SFR1 & glass evidence

19 CASE example what the SFR1 didn t say What other testing was or could have been done? How representative was the sample recovered from the incident scene? Consideration of likely transfer possibilities? Evidential strength reduced from moderate support to no evidential value.

20 What you need to know? 1. Ask yourself at what stage in the process of forensic investigation/evaluation has the SFR1 been prepared. 2. An SFR1 cannot be presented as evidence at trial unless your client agrees it. 3. Strength of SFR1 findings can reduce following further work.

21 SFR1 DNA match report

22 SFR1 DNA match report

23 Gun as it was found Image of sock covered gun when recovered has been removed

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25 CASE example what the SFR1 didn t say SFR1 from sample recovered from outside of sock SFR1 mixed profile with at least six other contributors albeit at much lower levels No mention of unidentified male profile on string Overall equally likely with or without direct contact with sock covered gun. 1 in 100 million but no evidential value

26 DNA laboratory conditions

27 Points to consider with SFR1 DNA match reports evidential value of a DNA match will sit on a scale of significance from extremely strong to none a full DNA profile match can be compelling evidence in one case context and be evidentially valueless in the next a DNA match does not in itself demonstrate contact or possession of an object.

28 Points to consider with SFR1 DNA match reports A major DNA profile from an item does not necessarily represent the last DNA deposited. Most DNA transfer, either direct or indirect, is invisible to the naked eye. Your DNA will be in places that you would not be able to account for.

29 What you need to know? 1. Ask yourself at what stage in the process of forensic investigation/evaluation has the SFR1 been prepared? 2. An SFR1 cannot be presented as evidence at trial unless your client agrees it. 3. Strength of SFR1 findings can reduce following further work. 4. SFR1 DNA match statistics can appear very persuasive but may not be the whole story.

30 Any Questions? Contact: Dr Jane Bloor Telephone: Web: