20182018 - Forensic Science
Annual Report2018
ScienceSupportingJustice
ContentsForeword 02Introduction 06Our Management Team 07Our Staff 08Our Services 08Case Studies 10Excellence in Science 12Customer Service 16Modern Organisation 24DNA Database 28Case Studies 35Corporate Governance 37Statement ofInternal Control 38Appendix 1 40
ForewordI am very pleased to publish this Annual report and represent the contributionsand impact the staff in FSI have had over the course of 2018. I’m impressed atthe capabilities and the sustained level of commitment, professionalism andresilience of the staff in FSI. These traits underpin all of the contributions madein case work as well as the progress in some key initiatives.FSI delivered on some significant results for thecriminal justice system in 2018. Case submissionsincreased by close to 10% overall; including increasesof 15% for DNA cases and more than 9% for complexdrug cases. FSI delivered on 576 more complex drugreports compared to 2017 and on 500 more DNAcases. This additional work was enabled by processimprovements, new instrumentation and someadditional staffing. FSI have contributed to high-profilecases over the course of the year – from murders, tosignificant drug seizures, to aggravated assaults. Wehave worked closely with An Garda Síochána over theyear to prioritise where we can have the most impactand deliver results effectively, with active engagementin the investigation over the life of the case. We havealso supported investigations by visiting crime scenes,clandestine labs and grow houses. A sustained focusis required to grow capacity to meet current andfuture demand. This process started in 2018 and willcontinue in 2019.A report on the operation of the DNA Database in 2018,in compliance with the Criminal Justice (ForensicEvidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014, is alsoincluded in this publication. Investments made in theDNA database as well as DNA technology are havinga growing impact. This has allowed us to identify 5Missing Persons over the course of the year, and bringmuch-needed closure to their families and friends.Other advances in DNA technology have allowedus to analyse more complex mixtures from crimescenes and compare individual profiles against thenational database. FSI was the first to implementthis technology in Europe which has already had animpact in criminal cases. The DNA team in FSI wererecognised for this accomplishment with the topprize for innovation in the Civil Service ExcellenceP2and Innovation Awards for 2018. The DNA databasecontinued to grow in size and effectiveness throughout2018. At the end of 2018, 38.5% of crime stains hada suspect match from the Database (up from 34% in2017). FSI has added 26,649 profiles to the database bythe end of 2018, as well as 5326 unsolved crime stains.FSI successfully validated its technical readinessfor DNA profile exchange with other participants ofthe Prüm Treaty in 2018. This allows for exchange ofprofile information across participating members inEurope to prevent cross-border crime and terrorism.In 2019 FSI plans to make these exchanges operationaland have active exchange with up to 4 countries by theend of the year.FSI delivered its case reports with a high degreeof scientific rigour throughout the year. Operatingto international quality standards, critical thinkingand peer review processes are cornerstones of theorganisation’s delivery. We have also participatedin cross-organisational best practice and methoddevelopment workshops across Europe through theEuropean Network of Forensic Service Institutes(ENFSI) and the Association of Forensic ServiceProviders (AFSP). This will remain a key focus forthe organisation, to ensure we are operating to bestinternational standards and driving improvements inquality, productivity and the breadth of services weoffer.With the support of the Department of Justice andEquality, and the Public Appointments Service, FSIran several recruitment campaigns in 2018. Severalnew staff joined FSI over the course of the year, withrecruitment still on-going. This helps address some ofthe gap between casework capacity and demand andpositions FSI better for some of the challenges ahead.
FSI’s people management practices were assessedby the National Standards Authority of Ireland andwere awarded a Gold Certificate in its ExcellenceThrough People (ETP) scheme. We will build on thistheme in the coming years to make FSI the mostcompelling place to work for scientific, technical andadministrative professionals.Ground works were completed for FSI’s newlaboratory facility in Backweston, County Kildare inthe first half of 2018. This was a significant milestonetowards a much-needed investment serving Ireland’scriminal justice system. The tender process forbuilding works was launched on 24th December andwe eagerly await the start of construction in Summer2019. FSI’s current facility is not fit-for-purpose anda new forensic laboratory, designed around the workFSI does today and in the future, is an imperative for arobust criminal justice system.A key focus for 2019 will be to effectively integrate thelaboratory functions of the Garda National TechnicalBureau within FSI. Staff and Garda members of GNTBbring a wealth of experience and expertise and I lookforward to working with them in building a broaderintegrated forensic service that serves our criminaljustice system. We will also focus on adding capacityto key services to meet some of the increasingdemand. This will be achieved through a combinationof investments in instrumentation, automation,process improvements and staffing.This report marks the end of FSI’s last strategic planthat spanned the timeframe 2015 – 2018. In April ofthis year we will launch our new strategic plan thatwill shape the contributions and impact of FSI out to2022. I look forward to sharing more later this year.Chris EnrightDirector General FSIP3
Progress of New FacilitySite of new laboratory in Backweston - Pre Enabling WorksSite of new laboratory in Backwestwon - Post Enabling WorksP4
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IntroductionForensic Science Ireland is an associated office of the Department of Justiceand Equality. The 125 people now working at FSI are scientists and analyststrained in forensic testing and reporting techniques, supported by administrationprofessionals. We work together to deliver to best international standards,comprehensive scientific analysis, independent expert opinion, advice andtraining to support the Irish Criminal Justice system. Originally known as theForensic Science Laboratory, FSI was established in 1975 to provide a scientificservice to the Criminal Justice System by analysing samples submitted fromcrime scenes and providing expert evidence in criminal trials.In June 2014, President Higgins extended our scopewhen he signed into law the Criminal Justice (ForensicEvidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014.Under this act, FSI is named as the custodian of thatdatabase and our name was changed our name fromForensic Science Laboratory to Forensic ScienceIreland to recognise this broader remit.FSI is currently based in Garda Headquarters in thePhoenix Park but plans to build a new fit-for-purposebuilding on the scientific campus at Backweston,Celbridge are well advanced. Plans are also developedto integrate the laboratory-based services of theGarda National Technical Bureau (GNTB), includingFingerprints, Ballistics and Documents & Handwritinginto FSI, as a single, cohesive forensic provider forthe State.P6FSI is a founding member of the European Networkof Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), as well as theAssociation of Forensic Service Providers (AFSP).These organisations are focused on developing andsharing best international forensic practices andresearch within its members. Our staff are active onall the relevant ENFSI and AFSP working groups. Thisinternational engagement is important in ensuringthat expert evidence presented is grounded in themost recent scientific research and best internationalpractice.FSI is accredited according to ISO17025 and holds aGold Excellence through People certification.
Our Management TeamDirector GeneralChris EnrightDirector of DNADr. Geraldine O’DonnellDirector ofCorporate ServicesDirector ofChemical AnalysisDr. Tom HanniganDr. Yvonne KavanaghDirector ofPhysical AnalysisDirector of Science& DevelopmentDr. Dyan DalyDr. Sean McDermottP7
Our StaffForensic Science Ireland is a knowledge-basedorganisation and the expertise of the staff is its mostvaluable attribute. Its functioning is an excellentexample of the practical application of science inIreland. Our staff are qualified in a range of scientificdisciplines, many of them to Masters or Ph.D level.Our staff use science in the investigation of crime.The nature of science results in ongoing change andconsequently FSI places a significant emphasis onongoing education and development. This is vital inensuring that the Criminal Justice system has thebenefit of international best practice.Our ServicesFSI contributes to both the investigation andadjudication of crime within the Irish Criminal JusticeSystem. In broad terms, forensic investigationsinvolve the examination of items recovered fromcrime scenes and the use of various techniques to linksuspects and victims and suspects and scenes. Thisfrequently leads to the elimination of suspects frominvestigations and there are few major criminal trialsthat do not feature some contribution from FSI.The area of most sustained growth is DNA, which isalso the discipline of greatest recent developments.In the DNA area, DNA profiles are extracted fromsubmitted items and compared with reference profilesobtained from suspects to assist the investigation ofcrimes ranging from burglaries to sexual assaults andmurder. Blood Pattern Analysis (BPA) and examinationof damage to clothing is also carried out.In the Chemistry area, many types of trace evidenceare recovered and compared with reference samplese.g. glass, paint, fibres, firearm residue. Marksand impressions are also examined e.g. footwearimpressions left at crime scenes or manufacturingmarks on plastic bags. Debris samples fromsuspicious fires are analysed for accelerants (e.g.petrol) and suspect materials are analysed forexplosives. Chemistry contains the greatest variationin types of materials encountered and the disciplinewhere the greatest diversity of knowledge is needed.P8The analysis of materials thought to contravene theMisuse of Drugs Acts constitute the highest numberof submissions to FSI. Case submissions vary widelyin size, drug mix and complexity. These cases ofteninvolve new psychoactive substances that poseparticular analytical challenges.The Physical Analysis area is the most recent functionwithin FSI and will host the Fingerprints, Ballisticsand Documents & Handwriting disciplines.The bulk of cases for FSI analysis are submitted byAn Garda Síochána but material is also received fromGarda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC),Customs & Excise, and Military Police. Cases areaccepted by FSI reception/ case intake staff whoensure that items are safely and securely storedor passed directly to a scientist depending on thesituation. In either situation the chain of custody iscarefully monitored.In addition to analysing samples in the laboratory,staff from FSI provide professional advice and trainingon the appropriate samples to be taken from crimescenes and individuals and in some circumstancesattend crime scenes. We also operate an out-ofhours service for situations where investigatingGardaí need access to immediate information or whenit is necessary to visit crime scenes, or suspectedclandestine laboratories.We work closely with An Garda Síochána on caseswhere our findings have the potential to make adifference and provide value for money for the State,by ensuring that our expertise and resources are usedin instances where they are more likely to include orexclude suspects rather than provide findings that areneutral.Staff act as expert witnesses in criminal trials. Thereis the potential for this to occur in all cases, but courtattendance is required from approximately 1% ofcases across the laboratory. Some areas of workare more likely to result in court cases than others.Attendance at court can involve robust defenceof scientific finding but more often the witness isrequired to outline routine processes related tocontinuity or laboratory procedures.
Strategic PillarsThis annual report is organised under four main headings, corresponding to the strategic themes identified in theFSI’s strategic plan 2015 – 2018.Excellencein ScienceThe report identifies ways in which FSI delivers a quality forensic science serviceand continues to grow and develop both science and staff to ensure that we areoperating to international standards.CustomerServiceFSI interacts with a range of stakeholders. An Garda Síochána are the mainfront line customers and the service supplied to them is defined in the servicelevel agreement. The range of services and how we have delivered is outlined inthe report.ModernOrganisationDNADatabaseThis initiative relates to investment in enabling ICT, forensic technologiesand laboratory facilities as well as supporting work practices and culturewithin the organisation. The report outlines progress made in 2018 in theimplementation of new IT systems, a fit-for-purpose forensic laboratory,as well as our work practices.The implementation of the DNA Database is one of the most importantcrime fighting tools introduced within the State in recent times. The finalsection of the report outlines how the effectiveness and impact of this systemhas grown over 2018.P9
Case Study 1FSI scientists have developed an improved methodfor the recovery of DNA from bones, particularlyfrom bones recovered in seas and rivers.This has led to the successful identification of a number of previously unidentified skeletal remains during 2018.Previously discovered remains from 2001 were positively identified as Aengus (Gussie) Shannon. Remainsdiscovered near Swords in 2014 were identified as Margaret Glennon who disappeared in 1995. Remainsdiscovered in 2002 were identified as James Gallagher who went missing in 1999. FSI also collaborated withinternational colleagues in helping identifying missing Irish citizens whose remains were discovered abroad.Joseph Brendan Dowley was identified following exhumation from a North Wales graveyard and Paul Shine-Dixonwas identified from remains discovered in 2017, having gone missing in Perpignan, France in 2009.Case Study 2Alan O’Neill was fatally shot in the driveway of hishome in Tallaght on 27 May 2015. A short time later,Warren Nolan was arrested running from a burningvehicle.CCTV showed this vehicle in the area of Alan O’Neill’s home shortly before the shooting. Warren Nolan was takento Tallaght Garda Station where gloves and clothing were taken from him. FSI scientists gave evidence that theyfound firearm residue (GSR) on the gloves and petrol on his clothing. On 10 December 2018, Warren Nolan wasconvicted in the Central Criminal Court of the murder of Alan O’Neill.P10
Case Study 3The DNA Database has been in effect sinceNovember 2015 and its usefulness in helping solvecrime continues to grow each year.In 2018 there were 867 investigations aided which involved either unsolved crime stain profiles being linked tosuspected offenders or previously unlinked cases that became linked through crime stain DNA profiles matchingother unsolved crime stain DNA profiles.One such ‘cluster’ of 2018 cases involved crimes stains from scenes of burglary, robbery and assault cases thatappear to be from a serial offender. When DNA profiles were generated from these 4 cases, they were uploadedonto the Database and it was shown that these cases were linked by one individual. The identity of the offenderis as yet unknown. If a DNA sample is taken from him in relation to these or other crime(s) in the future, his DNAreference profile will be uploaded and will link to this cluster of cases.Another major breakthrough for casework in 2018 came about for two old cases - a burglary that happened in 2014and a suspicious death/murder case from 2010. DNA profiles had been generated in these cases and the unknownprofiles had been uploaded to the DNA Database, and these cases had been linked to each other. It was only whenin 2018 a suspected offender’s DNA profile had been taken for an unrelated incident and uploaded to the database,he was linked to both the burglary and the murder.Case Study 4Gareth Hutch was shot dead as he was gettinginto his car outside Avondale House flats on NorthCumberland Street in Dublin on the morning of May24th 2016.A forensic scientist from the DNA Section gave evidence at the murder trial of Jonathan Keogh in the SpecialCriminal Court. DNA matching the profile of Jonathan Keogh was found on a balaclava, biker’s neck warmer andbaseball cap seized from a BMW car at the scene of the shooting, and also on latex gloves taken from a dressinggown belonging to a key prosecution witness in the case.Jonathan Keogh was subsequently found guilty of murder on November 2nd, and sentenced to life in prison.P11
Goal 1Provide a quality forensic science serviceFSI used ISO 17025 throughout the year as a cornerstone of our quality system and continuous improvementprocess. This involves regular monitoring, control and feedback across disciplines. Four management reviewmeetings were held with senior staff to manage this system in 2018. These meetings recorded the various sourcesof feedback and follow up activity. The annual assessment by INAB took place over several days in November 2018with the successful outcome of maintenance of accreditation for our existing scope of services. In addition somevery important extensions to our services were accredited based on significant development and validation work: Extension of ‘STRMix’ mixture interpretation software, which allows deconvolution of complex DNA mixtures.This considerably enhances the DNA database intelligence service. Extension of an image-capture and comparison system (Trasoscan) for footwear comparison casework.Some important groundwork was completed in 2018 to prepare FSI for compliance to the new ISO 17025 standards.P13
Goal 2Anticipate future technological opportunities andtheir applications to caseworkSeveral new techniques and processes were implemented in FSI over the year to improve forensic capability andeffectiveness. Some of the highlights for 2018 include: Introduction & validation of the pedigree tree approach to enhance the service for missing persons cases. During 2018 FSI continued to liaise with the Health Research Board and the European Monitoring Centre forDrugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) monitoring both national and international novel psychoactive drug trendsin relation to FSI drug and toxicology casework. No substances were reported during 2018 - a marked decreasefrom the 15 such substances reported during 2017. Validation of confirmatory screening (using LCMSMS technology) for biological samples in sexual assault caseswas introduced during 2018 in addition to the introduction of a fully integrated toxicology report. A new High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (HRLCMS) was purchased towards the endof the year. Further development and expansion of the current toxicology service is planned for 2019 in additionto exploring other potential FSI-wide applications. FSI staff represented Ireland at the Heads of National Focal Points Expert meeting (EMCDDA, Lisbon, June2018). FSI staff represented Ireland at the New Psychoactive Substance Expert Group meeting (European Commission,Brussels
FSI is a founding member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), as well as the Association of Forensic Service Providers (AFSP). These organisations are focused on developing and sharing best international forensic practices and res
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