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DNA upgrades will back ‘evidential breakthroughs’

The Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) annual report for 2023 shows that a cluster of drug overdoses last November was attributed to Nitazenes – a class of synthetic opioid at least as potent as fentanyl.

The report says that the illicit drug trade continues to evolve and submissions into FSI reflect a fourfold increase in drug seizures and a bigger range of new substances.

Body identification

FSI issued over 21,700 forensic reports last year and assisted in 171 body identification and missing person investigations.

Eleven missing people were identified in 2023 with FSI assistance.

FSI has made progress on an upgraded AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System),  which includes improved search algorithms and a more robust IT platform the report states.

Automation of DNA processing data is also underway.

Quality standard accreditation was gained for several forensic services including drugs testing, fingerprint mark enhancement and comparison, documents and handwriting, blood pattern analysis, and damage assessment.

Justice minister Helen McEntee thanked FSI DG Chris Enright and his team for their “tremendous work throughout a challenging but hugely important year for the organisation”.

“FSI’s new campus at Backweston is a major investment in forensic services for the State, which play a play a crucial role in criminal investigations as well as DNA identification services for missing persons,” she said.

Complex transition

The minister said that FSI performed strongly throughout a complex transition to its new laboratory without any interruption to the provision of its important services.

A phased transition of services to the new lab from current facilities is underway.

As an essential service to the criminal justice system, FSI must maintain services during all stages of the transition process.

“FSI’s expertise and analysis of evidence helps to secure hundreds of convictions a year in the most serious of criminal cases,” the minister said.

“I look forward to seeing their full transition to the new laboratory as well as the implementation of upgrades to fingerprint and DNA technology, which will no doubt support significant evidential breakthroughs in the years to come,” she added.

Purpose-built

FSI Director Chris Enright commented: “Last year was a very significant year in FSI’s 49-year history, with the completion of our new purpose-built facility at the Backweston Laboratory Campus.

“Great progress was made in the second half of 2023 in transitioning to this new facility, with several services achieving accreditation by the end of the year.

“Our staff deserve great credit for embracing the dual roles of supporting urgent and critical case work from our current premises while we start up services in the new lab.”

Minister McEntee added: “The DNA database continued to have international reach in 2023, with data exchanges with 11 other countries under the Prüm Treaty.

“In 2023 FSI also assisted with the identification of 11 missing persons, assisted in a number of cold case murder investigations and supported the identification of new highly potent psychoactive drug substances.”

DNA sample removal

In line with legislative requirements, 10,691 DNA samples were destroyed in 2023, while 6,590 profiles were removed from the national DNA database in 2023.

The FSI will host the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) in the Dublin Convention Centre in May 2025.

EAFS is Europe’s biggest forensic science event, bringing together over 1,000 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders, and partners.