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                            Library & Multimedia
 What can forensic probabilistic genotyping software developers learn from significant non-forensic software failures?
NCJ Number
              305733
Journal

*WIREs Forensic Science* Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 2021
Author(s)
          Buckleton, John S.;
                        Curran, James;
                        Taylor, Duncan;
                        Bright, Jo-Anne
Date Published

2021
Length
              8 pages
Annotation
              The authors review four significant software failures and examine these cases for lessons that can be transferred to the development of forensics software.
Abstract
              All four case studies have been well examined and causes described. No one factor is common to all four case studies. The studies are the MIT Kerberos security software, the Mars Climate Orbiter (MCO), the Therac-25 radiation therapy machine, and the Boeing 737 MAX MCAS software. In order to increase the relevance to forensic DNA analysis using probabilistic genotyping (PG), the authors discuss the post-production faults they have found in PG software, including STRmix. Empirical testing is the primary method for detecting software faults. Of the four cases discussed, the authors think that testing could only have benefited the MCO and the MIT Kerberos software cases. The faults found in PG by the authors or STRmix users have all been found by testing or in use. Documentation is useful, but an overreliance on documentation is seriously detrimental. The environment in which the software will be used is important. Redundancy is always beneficial. The authors consider that a key to successful data development and maintenance is a healthy culture of transparency and openness between developer and users. The authors also consider vital, maybe primary, a quality culture in development, verification, and validation, as well as an avoidance of unreasonable goals and timelines. (Publisher abstract provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-DN-BX-0136


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Population Genetic Issues for Forensic DNA Profiles
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2021
    
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      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes
        DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
        Probabilistic genotyping
        Forensic sciences
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