On 9th February 2024, Gazette Notice No. 189 of 2024 published the Guidelines on Crime Scene Recovery of Evidential Material for DNA Analysis (hereinafter the “Guidelines”).
The use of scientific techniques such as forensic DNA analysis, in investigating crime, represents a modern approach to detection and prosecution of crime. Highlighted below are some of the salient provisions introduced by the Guidelines.
- Purpose and Scope of the Guidelines (Guidelines 1 and 2)
The objective of the Guidelines is to outline protocols and directives to regulate the examination of crime scenes, to minimize contamination of DNA. These Guidelines cover searching for, documenting, recovering, packaging, transporting, and storing items before submitting them for forensic DNA analysis. It is important to note that these guidelines do not cover the recovery of samples from victims or arrestees.
- Anti-Contamination Strategy (Guideline 4)
This section introduces key protocols to regulate the activities surrounding the collection of forensic evidence from a crime scene. Guideline 4 outlines the strategic planning, execution, and documentation of the findings on site. A forensic report must include a complete record of all actions undertaken and the involvement of trained personnel who operated at or were associated with the scene. The Guidelines further require the use of cordons or barriers to isolate crime scenes and prevent DNA contamination.
- Need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Other Equipment (Guidelines 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10)
PPE and barrier clothing play a crucial role at crime scenes, safeguarding both the wearer from hazardous materials, and evidence from contamination. The Guidelines require the proper use of PPE, including wearing standardised masks, gloves, lab coats, suits, and overshoes, as well as adhering to strict procedures for donning, changing, and removing PPE. This minimizes contamination risks.
Additionally, equipment used at crime scenes must either be disposed of or retained as evidence, depending on the nature of the scene and case. Similarly, precautionary measures such as use of secure storage, sterilisation and disposal of different equipment must be undertaken to minimize DNA contamination before the forensic examination.
Other precautions include restricted access to the crime scene, and strict adherence to industry standards, such as ISO 18385:2015 which is the International Standard that specifies requirements for products used in the collection, storage, and analysis of biological material for forensic DNA purposes.
Conclusion
The Guidelines aim to improve the reliability and effectiveness of forensic investigations in Zambia. This is a welcome step toward ensuring dependable criminal prosecution in the Zambian judicial system.
