Public Awareness of Forensic Science and Willingness to Contribute to the DNA Database: A Study in Pakistan

Introduction: To implement forensic investigation processes and its evidentiary values in the justice system, it is necessary to investigate the public perception and acceptability regarding forensic-based investigations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted across different provinces of Pakistan in 2020. The present survey was conducted on 400 randomly selected individuals, 100 each from four provincial capitals of Pakistan. The correlation between the participants' characteristics, knowledge, and perception about forensic science was observed and analyzed. Results: The results show that 60.4% of participants were aware of forensic science, 40.8% of participants agreed to donate blood/saliva for the DNA database, 68.7% agreed that they will call the police when any crime is committed at the crime scene, and only 23.4% agreed that female victims of sexual assault should undergo a physical examination for evidence collection. In correlating responses, 41% of graduates agreed that they will call the police, however, only 17% of the graduates were willing to donate blood/saliva to the forensic DNA database. Moreover, 11% of the females, who were well aware of the importance of forensic science, agreed that they will report the sexual assault case. Conclusions: There is a dire need to make the general public aware of the basic techniques used in forensic science as it can assist in solving many hideous crimes.