Thirty years have passed since Sir Alec Jeffreys first used DNA in a criminal case to show that the initial prime suspect was not guilty. Since then, great strides in forensic science have been made, especially in information obtained from wide-ranging types of trace evidence such as DNA, digital trace evidence, fingerprints and explosive residue that are used to answer forensic questions. Forensic science is not a static discipline and the methods used need to be reviewed, revised and improved continuously.
The increasing role of forensic science in the investigation and prosecution of crime and the rising tide of global crime – such as terrorism – enhances the demand for international cooperation in forensic sciences.
In its policy for combating crime, the European Union has chosen forensic science as a main tool to use for this fight. Harmonisation of forensic science is pivotal to assure that results from different laboratories across Europe are recognised in other European countries. The upgrading of forensic science in Malta is being carried out in a holistic manner in light of Malta’s obligations with the establishment of the European Forensic Science Area (EFSA) in 2020.
Malta will continue working on the EFSA 2020 action plan during the Malta EU Presidency by focusing on forensic awareness and training for all stakeholders and also by stimulating the exchange of forensic data and improving its quality. Forensic information can only be effective if it can be shared accurately, quickly and efficiently.
The inauguration of the new facilities of the BioDNA Laboratory at the Malta Life Sciences Park in June, with its upgraded DNA profiling technique and an expanding portfolio of tests, including touch DNA applicable to forensic cases, was a major step making local forensic work robust and efficient.
The move of the laboratory from the Kordin Business Incubation Centre to the Malta Life Sciences Park, following a collaboration agreement with the Malta Laboratory Network within the Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, has provided this laboratory with the opportunity to increase capacity to carry out more tests in Malta.
Criminal justice, with the support of strong and independent forensic science, can ensure that citizens’ rights are protected
The new premises at the Life Sciences Park are equipped with the latest technologies and in accordance with set standards to ensure the best laboratory practices in forensic DNA analysis. BioDNA Laboratory handles around 120 forensic cases every year, including murder, rape, theft and assault cases. One forensic case could easily require up to 40 DNA tests depending on the complexity of the case. The laboratory also deals with an average of 70 paternity testing cases per year.
Besides upgrading DNA profiling techniques and microbiology testing, the laboratory – through collaboration with the Malta Laboratory Network – has embarked on a new project to start offering drug analysis and toxicology testing. These tests can be offered to the community and they can also be used in forensic cases.
The promotion of quality standards for forensic testing and for scene of crime investigation are a major focus in ensuring validity and reliability. This approach is the government’s commitment to improve justice through science and evidence-based investigations. Criminal justice, with the support of strong and independent forensic science can ensure that citizens’ rights are protected.
Providing training on collecting uncontaminated samples from the crime scenes for analysis and use as evidence in court was the next essential step in strengthening and assuring a harmonised process in the local scenario.
There was a clear need to refresh and update the knowledge and skills of the crime scene investigators of the Malta Police Force, since the last significant training that the investigators had was almost 20 years ago.
The work done by the Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties and the investment of €80,000 through the Malta Laboratories Network have resulted in Malta and the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) enriching their cooperation in areas of forensic investigation.
A team of international experts from the NFI were invited to Malta and, based on a training needs assessment, tailored a specialised instructional course for Malta scene of crime police officers.
These police officers lately started using touch DNA after receiving training from NFI experts. Thus, touch DNA analysis in Malta is now possible after the investment done in training and in the evolution of the BioDNA laboratory. With touch DNA an analyst only requires seven or eight cells from the outermost layer of the skin left on a body or on a weapon to determine DNA.
Trained scene of crime police officers are now better equipped to support investigations and yield results such as the reduction of time-trial detention and denial of liberty, especially since the DNA tests can be carried out in Malta.
Through the Malta Laboratories Network, the government is working on harmonising and streamlining laboratories on the island including assisting in their accreditation. This ensures that full use is made of resources available in a sustainable manner making the undertaking of tests in Malta feasible.
Helena Dalli is Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties.