Forensic Science Division

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Biochemical Sciences Sections

Staff checking experimental data
Staff checking experimental data

The Biochemical Sciences Sections comprise two sections, A and B, which work in parallel and which are responsible for the identification and individualization of biological evidence materials submitted for examination. These come mostly from crimes against the person/property, such as homicide, rape, burglary, etc. The aim of the examination is in attempting to trace the source of a particular piece of evidence material. For example, bloodstaining /semen staining found in a rape case can be shown to be indistinguishable from that of a suspect; or, an abandoned foetus can be shown to be the possible offspring of a couple (parentage analysis) in an infanticide case; or, a piece of meat is shown to be of canine origin in an illegal meat sale.

The professional officers in the sections are also involved in some special examinations, particularly in the area of blood spatter pattern interpretation at crime scenes.

Key Personnel

Biochemical Sciences A Section

Senior Chemist, Chemist and Forensic Analyst
(E-mail address)		 Tel. No.
Mr. Bobbie K K Cheung, Senior Chemist
(kkcheung@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3783

Ms. Christina Li, Chemist
(cli@govtlab.gov.hk)

 2762-3782

Ms. Mandy W M Tang, Forensic Analyst
(wmtang@govtlab.gov.hk)

 2762-3773
Ms. Fanny L F Fung, Forensic Analyst
(lffung@govtlab.gov.hk)
 2762-3766
Dr. Karen H L Wun, Chemist
(hlwun@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3763

Biochemical Sciences B Section

Senior Chemist, Chemist and Forensic Analyst
(E-mail address)		 Tel. No.

Dr. K Y To , Senior Chemist
(kyto@govtlab.gov.hk)

 2762-3770
Mr. Ivan S H Ho, Chemist
(shho@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3774
Mr. H T Tsui, Chemist
(httsui@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3778
Dr. Albert W K Wai, Chemist
(wkwai@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3777
Ms. Sarah S M Yeung , Forensic Analyst
(smyeung@govtlab.gov.hk)		 2762-3771


Staff working on the DNA sequencer
Staff working on the DNA sequencer
Starting from 1998, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based DNA profiling has become the main analytical method for the examination of biological evidence in forensic casework. In 2004, a new analytical kit has been introduced into the system, which enables simultaneous amplification of up to fifteen DNA characteristics plus sex. This analytical kit together with a new robotic workstation and detection platform has greatly enhanced the sample throughput, efficiency, sensitivity and degree of certainty in the identification of the source of samples, with the discrimination among the population for a person being up to the order of quadrillions to one.

Key Instruments

Smoking machine
Automatic Liquid Handling System

The following instruments are used routinely by the Section:

  • Genetic Analyzers
  • Automated Liquid Handling Systems
  • Sequence Detection Systems
  • PCR Thermocyclers

Genetic Analyzer

Targets and Key Indicators

Key Performance Measures Relating to the Forensic Science Services

Targets

Targets are defined as the number of working days required to complete 80% of cases

Category Targets Working Days Per Case 2006
(Actual)		 2007
(Actual)		 2008
(Plan)
Biochemical grouping (DNA profiling) -
     routine cases
     complicated cases
88
154
68
140
87
176
80
170

Key Indicators

Key indicators are the number of cases completed

Number of Cases Investigated 2006
(Actual)		 2007
(Actual)		 2008
(Estimate)
Biochemical sciences -
     routine cases
     complicated cases
3,206
691
2,543
1,066
3,200
680

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