Validation of a frequency database for four STR loci for use in casework in the Strathclyde Police Forensic Science Laboratory

Spanish population data on seven loci: D1S80, D17S5, HUMTH01, HUMVWA, ACTBP2, D21S11 and HLA-DQA1

Blood samples from 120 Spanish Caucasian individuals were amplified and typed by electrophoresis at six loci, and by reverse dot-blot hybridization at one locus. Results demonstrate the assumption of independence within and between the seven loci analyzed. Therefore, a Spanish population database has been established and statistical analysis shows that a high degree of discrimination can be obtained when all seven (or fewer) loci are used to characterize forensic biological evidence.

Statistical analysis of data for three British ethnic groups from a new STR multiplex

Data have been collected from 602 Caucasians, 190 Afro-Caribbeans and 257 Asians of Indo/Pakistani descent who have been profiled using a new six locus short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex. The data have been analysed by conventional significance testing methods: the exact test, homozygosity, and conventional goodness of fit to Hardy-Weinberg proportions. Frequency tables are given and the expected performance in British forensic casework is discussed.

Statistical analysis of a large file of data from STR profiles of British Caucasians to support forensic casework

Data from nearly 2500 British Caucasians, profiled using an STR quadruplex, have been analysed. The data came from several laboratories and represent samples from different geographical distributions. Analysis of the combined files shows that previous reports of failed independence tests were the results of sampling effects. A further convincing proof is given of the robustness of the statistical methods used to estimate evidential value in casework. Comparisons between different samples show that regional effects between Scotland and the South of England have no importance from the forensic viewpoint.

A study of independence between STR and conventional blood type loci

Blood samples from approximately 200 Scottish Caucasian individuals were typed at conventional loci (PGM, Gc and EAP) and also with a four locus STR multiplex. Tests of the data are described which demonstrate that the assumptions of between locus independence are robust for use in forensic casework.