DNA analysis is often used in criminal investigations to establish an individual's presence at a location or to link a person to a crime.
To do this, investigators collect DNA samples that can be compared to the DNA of suspects or witnesses. DNA can be collected from various sources, such as hair, body hair, body fluids, tissue samples, and objects that have been handled by a person.
Once the DNA samples have been collected, they are typically sent to a forensic police laboratory where they are analyzed and compared to other DNA samples. If a suspect's DNA matches the DNA found at the crime scene or on an object related to the crime, this can be used as evidence to support the charge against that person.
It should be noted that DNA analysis cannot be used on its own to convict someone.
It must be used in conjunction with other evidence to support the charge. However, DNA analysis can be very useful in establishing links and ruling out suspects in a criminal investigation.
What is the Specialized Agent of Technical and Scientific Police (ASPTS)?
The Specialized Agent of Technical and Scientific Police (ASPTS) is a French police officer specialized in the analysis of technical and scientific evidence collected during criminal investigations.
ASPTS are responsible for searching for and collecting clues at crime scenes, analysing them and using them to reconstruct events and establish the circumstances of a crime. They often work closely with investigators and may be called to testify in court about the evidence they have collected and analyzed.
ASPTS are trained to use a wide range of techniques and cutting-edge equipment, including ballistics, DNA analysis, chemistry, physics, and information technology. They are also responsible for preserving evidence and presenting it convincingly in court.
What do forensic police laboratories do?
Forensic police laboratories are research and analysis centers that are used by police forces to collect, analyze, and interpret technical and scientific evidence in criminal investigations.
They are equipped with laboratories and cutting-edge technology that allows them to process and analyze DNA samples, powder traces, fibers, fingerprints, and other physical evidence.
The work done by forensic police laboratories can be used to establish an individual's presence at a location, to link a person to a crime, or to reconstruct events that led to a crime.
The results of these analyses can be used to support the charge against a suspect or to rule out suspects from an investigation.
Forensic police laboratories are generally run by professional scientists and are subject to strict quality standards to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the results obtained.
What is the FNAEG and how is it used?
The FNAEG (National Automated File of Genetic Prints) is a French national computer file that contains the genetic profiles of people convicted of serious criminal offences or people suspected of such offences.
The FNAEG is managed by the Ministry of the Interior and is used by police forces to help identify suspects of serious criminal offences.
To add a genetic profile to the FNAEG, police forces collect DNA samples from various sources, such as body fluids, hair, body hair, or tissues.
These samples are analyzed and the individual's genetic profile is recorded in the FNAEG.
If a suspect of a serious criminal offence is arrested, his DNA can be compared to the FNAEG to see if it matches a recorded profile. If it does, this can be used as evidence to support the charge against the suspect.
The FNAEG is an important tool for police forces, as it allows them to quickly identify suspects of serious criminal offences and link suspects to crimes committed previously.
However, there are concerns about privacy protection and the potential misuse of the FNAEG. As a result, the FNAEG is subject to strict rules and is monitored by an independent control committee.
What are the general studies to join the scientific police?
To join the scientific police in France, it is generally recommended to follow a university education in sciences, such as criminology, chemistry, biology, or physics. This can give you the basic knowledge necessary to understand the scientific concepts used in criminal investigations.
There are also university degrees specialized in forensic sciences that can prepare you to work in the scientific police. These degrees cover topics such as DNA analysis, ballistics, forensic chemistry, and fingerprint identification.
Once you have completed your university studies, you can apply to join the scientific police by passing the national police entrance exam.
This competition includes a written and oral test, as well as a physical and medical test. If you pass the competition, you will then be admitted to a police school for a few months of basic training before starting to work as an ASPTS.