2 September 2010
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DNA Profiling
DNA profiling is a process which begins when a minute sample of genetic material - DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) - is taken from human tissue and ends when the sample is given a computerised numeric value in the form of a 'bar code'. Comparing a person's DNA profile with a DNA sample retrieved from the scene of a crime can eliminate innocent people, but can also provide a strong indication of guilt.
The experience acquired by countries already using DNA profiling in their crime investigations shows that there are several important advantages to be gained:
The principle on which DNA profiling is based is relatively straightforward: a series of molecular biology techniques is used to determine the sizes of discrete DNA fragments that contain hypervariable target sequences. Because molecular biology is a new discipline with technical possibilities that are still expanding, it is hardly surprising that a variety of 'standard' techniques are used at each step in DNA profiling. The analysis principles, however, remain constant. They include:
DNA profiling is a complicated process. As already mentioned, each sequential step involved in generating a DNA profile can be carried out in a variety of ways. Although they are all straightforward, and factors affecting them have been documented, each step is performed differently in different laboratories. Much of this variation is of little account, but in the present unregulated climate there remains a very real potential for generating a variety of anomalies.
Yes, the investigating officers and prosecutors using DNA profiling should be aware of several areas where the defence could challenge evidence successfully. The main points that could be raised are:
Yes, it is essential that standards be established and rules on accreditation and auditing applied at both national and international levels. Only if there is one will there be a possibility to exchange data internationally. Europe seems to be a very active region from this point of view. The European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) was set up in 1988 and it has made considerable progress. The aim of this informal group is to facilitate the exchange of compatible DNA profiling data in order to allow European countries to make the best possible use of the opportunities provided by this technique. The European co-operation in this topic was reinforced and formalised by the involvement of the European Union (EU). Within this framework, there is a Working group on Police Co-operation, which deals also with DNA related topics. The society of forensic scientists is represented by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) Working Group on DNA Profiling.
Yes, of course. The 25th Regional Conference (Warsaw, 29-31 May 1996) endorsed the revised European Business Plan, in which promoting good practice in the use of DNA profiling as an investigative technique is one of the main priorities. In order to implement this task, the INTERPOL European Committee decided at its 15th Meeting on 5 November 1996 to set up the INTERPOL European Working Party on DNA profiling. The Final Report of the Interpol European Working Party on DNA profiling (new
name now: DNA MEG) has been discussed by the 67th General Assembly Session in
Cairo. Theworking group was advised to profit from the experience of other countries
in the field ofDNA use in criminal investigations in order to get a global harmonisation.
In this respect itwas agreed to invite representatives from all continents to
join the DNA MEG.
The INTERPOL DNA MEG discusses the use of DNA profiling as an investigative technique and will make recommendations concerning the use of DNA in criminal investigations with a view to facilitating the worldwide use of this technique. The objective of the group is to act as an international point of reference facilitating the utilisation future development of DNA techniques. The recommendations will address following areas:
Other tasks are
Following Interpol member states are represented in the DNA MEG: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and the USA.
Updated April 2000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
