The Use of DNA Profiling and Behavioural Science in the Investigation of Sexual Offences

Abstract

The Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory has been using DNA profiling in crime cases since 1987 and has established an index of results from personal samples, together with those from stains from serious unsolved cases. Despite the small numbers recorded as yet, series of unsolved sexual crimes have been detected, new cases have been added to established series and suspects have been nominated for several rapes. The laboratory also has a Sexual Assault Index which is used to identify linked cases in the absence of DNA. This is done using behavioural factors, which inevitably leads to the acquisition of knowledge about the perpetrator and is part of the process known as offender profiling. The effect of the use of DNA profiling and behavioural science on some aspects of forensic science is described.