DNA single locus profiles: tests for the robustness of statistical procedures within the context of forensic science

We describe a series of experiments, carried out on data from DNA profiles, which have been designed specifically to test the validity of the statistical procedures currently used in the Home Office Forensic Science Service. The tests address issues which have been the subject of topical debate, in particular those of representativeness and band independence. The results confirm the confidence which had already been placed in the established procedures. We recommend that all practitioners in the forensic field should carry out similar testing on their own data collections.