Use of DNA alters face of trials
By Jacqueline Roper | September 26, 2000(This is the first in a two-part daily series on the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.) The emergence of DNA evidence as an integral component in rape cases has revolutionized the justice system. DNA evidence has changed both the way police conduct investigations and how prosecutors and defense attorneys interpret and use evidence in a trial against an alleged offender, police say. University Police Detective Kim Pugh describes DNA technology as "the greatest advancement in law enforcement since fingerprinting." Detectives can use DNA to genetically match evidence collected at crime scenes with suspects, changing the face of law enforcement.   DNA Evidence Part One: Use of DNA alters face of trials Part Two: DNA evidence seals convictions in recent crimes The increased use of DNA profiling has changed the way regular street cops, who usually arrive first on the scene, handle evidence, because every item a suspect may have come in contact with has become even more important.
