It seems that every few weeks we hear of another case of an important criminal investigation being solved by using DNA to identify the perpetrator. Some cases, years old now, are resulting in conviction of the criminal and resolution for the victim and his or her family members.

DNA profiling makes it significantly harder for apprehended suspects to escape. Of course a key is that it still often takes plain old-fashioned police work to track them down and arrest them, but once they are caught, convictions are much more likely.

It’s surprising how even the most careful lawbreaker inadvertently leaves bits of DNA behind at the crime scene - a bit of skin, a drop of blood, a hair or two. That’s all it takes to make a positive identification and place the offender at the scene, a key aspect of any criminal investigation.

It intrigues me that with all of the information about DNA profiling in the popular press, people still take chances on committing their crimes expecting to avoid detection. This is particularly true of rapists who leave significant DNA samples for police to work with.

For Reflection:

• What is it about the human psyche that drives some to proceed with unlawful actions even when there is a very high possibility that they will be caught and convicted?
• What shortcuts have you taken which would produce profound embarrassment or shame if they were uncovered?