Forensic DNA Database Management

Abstract

The development of DNA databases at the national and international levels is one of the most efficient ways to detect and prevent crime and is a powerful tool for identifying missing persons and unidentified bodies. A literature review and analysis of national and international legislation and recommendations provided insight into the current state of forensic DNA database management. As legislation in different countries worldwide is different, the amount of DNA data in national databases greatly varies. The tendency is to achieve a balance between a large database with a high possibility of detecting potential perpetrators and a database with a restricted amount of personal data that pays attention to the protection of human rights. Managing the DNA database according to international recommendations and national laws minimizes outstanding privacy and ethical issues. New sets of DNA data and novel matching techniques can produce valuable investigative leads when other inquiries have not given a result. However, special attention must be paid to the use of genetic data from public sources that lack international guidelines and policies for the protection of personal data. The cross-border comparison of data and exchange of information through different available international instruments provides significant leads for law enforcement and judicial authorities, providing great assistance in improving the resolution of cross-border crime.