DNA In Criminal Investigation Essay

When an investigation runs out of ways to identify human remains, DNA can play a key role in the identification process. The most common methods of identification by a forensic anthropologist include "detailed skeletal and dental features," of the remains, but they are sometimes asked to perform DNA profiles as well (Arismendi, Baker, & Matteson, 2004). According to the paper by Arismendi, Baker, and Matteson, when the common modes of identification do not yield any results, "DNA typing may provide a further avenue of investigation (Arismendi, Baker, & Matteson, 2004)." Usually when the forensic anthropologist collects the DNA, it's from any tissues that remain on the bones themselves, and as they examine the remains, "it is usually necessary to remove any of the remaining soft tissue," leading some to wonder if the techniques used to do this may compromise the
This is more convenient because "having the anthropologists perform both the skeletal and molecular analyses...is that the close proximity of skeletal and molecular analyses can save a great amount of time (Tersigni-Tarrant & Shirley, P.409)." This can also lessen the amount of people who are handling the remains and the evidence, which means less chances of contamination. Additionally, forensic anthropologists are the best choice for deciding how the DNA may be "utilized" when it comes to identifying the remains (Tersigni-Tarrant & Shirley, P.409). It's also helpful for the forensic anthropologist to conduct the DNA analysis themselves because it's a good way to differentiate between "compromised remains," where the only way to identify the body is through DNA testing (Tersigni-Tarrant & Shirley,