Lets meet... a forensic scientist!

Learn about what happens at a crime scene, how DNA is used as evidence, and how the National DNA Database helps to catch criminals.

Sandra Couperwhite, a forensic scientist working with the police in Scotland, is interviewed by Gene Jury team member Kenneth Wallace.

 

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Questions asked:

What does 'forensic' mean? (0:18)
Why is DNA used? (0:34)
Where do you look for DNA at a crime scene? (1:01)
What care do you take when collecting samples from a crime scene? (1:32)
What happens to the samples after they are collected? (2:17)
What does 'crime stain' me? (2:58)
Do the police take DNA from people when they have been arrested? (3:15)
Could DNA taken from someone be used to convict them? (3:38)
What is a 'DNA profile'? (3:55)
Can the police take DNA from children? (4:28)
How is the National DNA Database used to catch criminals? (4:54)
What would make the job of a forensic scientist easier? (5:27)
Why would putting everybodies DNA on the National DNA Database make it easier to catch criminals? (5:45)
Do you have a story of the National DNA Database in action? (6:16)