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Decision support for using mobile Rapid DNA analysis at the crime scene
A A Mapes1, R D Stoel2, C J de Poot1
1Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), PO Box 1025, Amsterdam BA 1000, The Netherlands.
Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
|January 19, 2019
Summary
A new Decision Support System (DSS) helps crime scene officers decide when to use rapid DNA analysis. This system improves decision-making transparency by considering factors like time pressure and DNA success rates, aiding evidence collection.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Decision Science
- Criminal Justice
Background:
- Mobile Rapid DNA technology offers quick perpetrator identification but risks sample loss and lower sensitivity compared to lab methods.
- Scene of Crime Officers (SoCOs) face a trade-off between time and success rate when deciding to use rapid DNA analysis.
- Rational Decision Theory (RDT) provides a framework for systematic decision-making in complex scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and test a Decision Support System (DSS) for the application of Rapid DNA technologies in crime scene investigations.
- To evaluate if a DSS improves decision-making processes for SoCOs regarding the use of rapid DNA devices.
- To investigate the influence of case characteristics and success rate information on SoCOs' decisions.
Main Methods:
- A vignette study was conducted with Scene of Crime Officers (SoCOs).
- Participants were divided into three groups: control, Success Rate (SR) information, and DSS support (RDT-based).
- Decisions on using a rapid DNA device were analyzed based on case characteristics and group assignment.
Main Results:
- The DSS group made more transparent decisions, influenced by time pressure and trace characteristics (DNA success rates).
- The SR group's decisions were solely based on trace characteristics.
- The control group showed no systematic differences in decisions based on crime type or trace characteristics.
- The DSS facilitated a more systematic approach to using rapid DNA analysis.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach, like the developed DSS, assists SoCOs in making informed decisions about using rapid DNA analysis.
- Guiding complex decisions with a DSS is crucial for the effective implementation of rapid DNA devices at crime scenes.
- The DSS enhances decision transparency by explicitly considering various case factors.
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