Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Laboratory Presentation

Presentation given by Kelsey Bexley, Crime Laboratory Analyst - Biology

Education

• Master’s degree in Forensic Science from

UCF (2023)

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science

from UCF (2015)

• Minors in Chemistry and Biomedical

Sciences

• FDLE Biology Internship (2014)

Professional Experience

• Biology/DNA Crime Laboratory Analyst

(2019-present)

• (Training from 2017-2019)

• Biology/DNA Forensic Technologist

(2016-2017)

What is forensic science defined as at the FDLE?

The application of science to the law

What are the responsibilities of a forensic scientist?

Provide timely, expert and professional examination of evidentiary materials to

in criminal investigations

Testify to findings in court

What ate the six locations of the accredited FDLE laboratories?

• Orlando

• Jax

• Ft. Myers

• Tampa Bay

• Pensacola

• Tallahassee

What are the forensic disciplines offered at the FDLE?

Biology/DNA

Seized Drugs (Chemistry)

Crime Scene Investigation

Digital/Multimedia Evidence

Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence

Firearms

Latent Prints (Friction Ridge)

Toxicology

Trace Materials

Document Examination

When was genetic fingerprinting first used?

1987

What are the sources of DNA encountered in forensics?

• Blood

• Semen

• Saliva

• Hair

• Teeth

• Bone

• Tissue

• Trace DNA (touch, wearer, handler)

Who was Sir Alec Jeffreys?

developed the techniques for genetic fingerprinting that eliminated Richard Buckland as a prime suspect for the rape and murder of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth. Colin pitchfork, the actual culprit, was discovered using DNA profiling.

STRs (short tandem repeats) are…

repeating sequences in DNA that are highly variable from person to person.

STR testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Extraction (forcing DNA out of cell)

• Quantification (counting DNA)

• Amplification (xeroxing/copying STRs)

• Genetic analysis (determining size of STRs)

What is STRmix

computer software program to assist in resolving mixed DNA profiles (separating individual donors). Also calculates LR if there are ref standards available for comparison.

What does STRmix not do?

Does not replace human evolution that is necessary in forensic DNA analysis.

What are the responsibilities of a forensic technologist (entry level)?

Support CLAs

Operate instruments

Perform instrument maintenance

Quality control logs

Make reagents

Receive and log deliveries

General house-keeping

SAEK cutting program

What does SAEK stand for?

Sexual Assault Evidence Kit

What does a forensic technologist do with the SAEK

• inventory contents

• examine and cut

• place into labeled sample tubes

How does the FT help with SAEK

• streamlines examination

• 120 day deadline

• helpful verification steps

CLA training program

• 1.5-2 years

• training committee

• written and oral assessments

• supervised casework with 2-3 different CLAs

• mock trial assessment

• outside training

What does CLA stand for?

crime laboratory analyst

What are the duties and responsibilities of a CLA?

• serology

• STR DNA testing

• Y-STR DNA testing (Tampa and Jax)

• Stat calculations and comparisons

• Expert witness court testimony

• Quality control duties

• Training (SCLA)

How do CLAs maintain quality work?

• proficiency testing every six months

• continuing education - 16hr a year

• literature reviews every year

• projects

• internal validations

How many samples can the QIAgen EZI take

14

How many samples can the QIAcube take

12

How many samples can the QIAsymphony take?

72

What promotional opportunities available with the FDLE?

• Technical Leader

• Supervisory positions

What are the requirements for becoming a technical leader?

• Master’s Degree (Science-related)

• 3 years of casework

• Updates SOPs

• Maintains Proficiency

• Internal Validations

• CLA training program

• Quality logs

What are a few of the available supervisory positions with the FDLE?

• Crime Laboratory Analyst Supervisor

• Assistant Quality Manager

• Quality Manager

• Chief of Forensic Services

• Director of Forensic Services