Forensic utilization of voluntarily collected DNA samples: law enforcement versus human rights

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511778193.004

3 - Forensic utilization of voluntarily collected DNA samples: law enforcement versus human rights

from Section 1 - Key areas in DNA profiling and databasing

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 October 2012

Elazar Zadok ,

Gali Ben-Or and

Gabriela Fisman

Edited by

Richard Hindmarsh and

Barbara Prainsack

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Richard Hindmarsh: Affiliation:
Griffith University, Queensland
Barbara Prainsack: Affiliation:
King's College London

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Forensic DNA profiling is now an indispensable tool used by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Since its introduction by Sir Alec Jeffries and colleagues (Gill et al. 1985), forensic DNA has caused a revolution in crime scene investigation, similar to that brought about by fingerprint identification capabilities a century ago (see Chapter 6). The annual number of cases solved by means of DNA profiling in the UK, for example, is now approaching the number of those solved with the use of fingerprints. Nevertheless, the DNA profiling ‘revolution’ would not have occurred without the emergence of computerised forensic databases. Among those databases that focus on individual characteristics, the automated fingerprint identification systems and DNA databases are most valuable for law enforcement authorities. They allow the generation of ‘cold hits’, namely the identification of a suspect without a classical criminal investigation. The combination of two parallel processes – scientific innovations in the field of molecular genetics and the emergence of computerised databases – underpins contemporary methodology of forensic investigation.

Scientifically, forensic DNA profiling is still considered a young technology. It is also a relatively complicated process, prone to contaminations and misinterpretations. Its probabilistic nature leaves much room for debates regarding interpretation (see also Chapters 2, 6 and 7). Other controversies connected to DNA profiling and databasing involve ethical and legislative issues. Privacy and human rights issues are weighed generally against the well-being of society, but no clear lines can be drawn as in many instances they are complementary (Etzioni 2004).

Type: Chapter
Information: Genetic Suspects
Global Governance of Forensic DNA Profiling and Databasing
, pp. 40 - 62

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511778193.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2010

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