Forensic DNA Phenotyping: Examining knowledge and operational view from police officers

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) is a tool predicting physical characteristics from DNA to provide investigative leads. Research has mainly focused on the development and validation of molecular marker panels and associated statistical models to predict phenotypes. However, little is known about the operational value of DNA phenotyping, as perceived by the targeted users (i.e. police officers involved in criminal investigations). We used a questionnaire to survey 163 officers across Québec (Canada), and who are involved in major crime investigations, to better understand their knowledge and opinion regarding DNA phenotyping. Their responses show that a majority (63 %) are not yet familiar with DNA phenotyping. However, most respondents (58 %) support its use, especially for crimes against the person, if proven reliable. This research emphasizes the relevance of surveying police officers during the development and implementation of such operational forensic tools, as their expectations were not entirely in line with the current and anticipated possibilities of phenotyping, particularly with regard to the most useful traits to target. Respondents consider most useful predictions on eye colour, ethnicity, age and height, whereas it is biogeographical origin that is currently predicted (even if not a phenotype), and the last two traits are difficult to accurately predict. The perspective of police officers gathered here also argues in favor of involving other actors of the justice system to better delineate the scope of FDP in criminal cases and to improve its integration throughout the judicial process.