Two new DNA databases to help police

The National Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (NICC) soon will have two more DNA databases. One will contain genetic material of missing persons and the other of professionals who can unconsciously “pollute” a crime scene.

DNA research is increasingly important in identifying suspects as well as finding missing persons, said NICC. But during investigations, many people come into contact with crime scenes. “Police inspectors, prosecutors and lab technicians,” are just some of them, according to Sophie De Wit, a lawyer and member of the Flemish parliament for N-VA. “They often unintentionally leave their own DNA behind at crime scenes or during the analysis of traces.”

A new database with DNA profiles of key figures involved in investigations will make it possible to quickly exclude their genetic material, thus speeding up investigations and reducing costs. The requirements of privacy legislation are being met.

The database containing genetic material of missing persons, meanwhile, should make it possible to solve older cases. Such a database was in fact organised in 2013, but the regulations around it had become outdated because of scientific progress.

Regulations will be adjusted such as the requirement to destroy unidentified DNA profiles after 30 years. It will also now be legal to use the DNA of minors in missing persons cases.