Forensic Laboratory Services

Biology

Biological trace evidence is processed using DNA analysis techniques to generate DNA typing profiles. Services include:

• comparing DNA profiles to determine if there are any forensically significant associations; and
• submitting selected DNA typing profiles for entry into the Crime Scene Index of the National DNA Data Bank of Canada.

In the early morning hours of September 29, 1996, two male intruders gained entry into a residence occupied by a male and a female by forcing open the rear door of the residence. Awakened by the break-in, the male resident confronted the intruders and a physical altercation took place. During the struggle the male occupant received injuries to the head area by being struck repeatedly by a stick and rubber hose. As he fought back, the male occupant struck one of the assailants. He was then incapacitated by the two assailants and was tied up with duct tape. The female occupant was also attacked and was then tied up with a telephone cord. A large quantity of money and jewelry was stolen from the residence. A number of exhibits were seized from the crime scene and were examined at the forensic laboratory. DNA typing analysis was performed on a number of crime scene exhibits, including a questioned blood stain. It was determined that the questioned blood stain did not originate from the male and female occupants of the residence. The DNA profile was that of an unidentified male. The police investigators surmised that the questioned blood stain originated from the assailant that was struck during the altercation with the male occupant. The case remained unsolved for several years. During this period of time, a number of known DNA samples from suspects were submitted for comparison to the questioned blood stain found at the scene. The known samples consisted of discarded evidence as well as DNA Warrant samples. None of the known samples’ profiles matched the profile from the questioned blood stain. In 2000, the DNA Identification Act led to the creation of the National DNA Data Bank of Canada (NDDB), a powerful investigative tool for linking unsolved crimes as well as providing useful associative evidence by linking DNA profiles from unsolved crimes to those of convicted offenders. A search of unsolved case files at the laboratory uncovered the questioned male DNA profile and the fact that it qualified for entry into the Crime Scene Index (CSI) of the NDDB. The questioned male profile was entered into the CSI on September 25, 2001. Later that day, information was received from the Canadian Police Services Information Centre that the profile of the questioned sample had been matched to that of a convicted offender. A DNA Warrant sample was collected from the suspect and was used to follow up on the information received from the NDDB. The suspect, in jail on a unrelated matter, was interviewed and later charged with the criminal offence. This led to the arrest of a second suspect who was also charged with the unsolved crime. Both accused pleaded guilty to charges relating to this matter and are currently serving lengthy jail sentences.

If you are interested in a career as a Biology specialist you must have a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or equivalent degree in one of the physical sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry) or applied sciences (forensic) from a recognized university.

As a technologist you will require a diploma in medical laboratory technology or biochemical technology from a recognized community college. Consult the Careers page for additional employment information.