A National DNA database is a very powerful tool that assists crime investigation and detection. Many police forces around the world have discovered the benefits of this technology. As the pool of available DNA profiles increases so too does the detection rate of crimes where DNA evidence is available. In crimes where a DNA profile has been obtained, the rate of crimes detected can increase to as much as 37% (average crime detection can be up to 24%). (Hugh Dougherty, Jul 15, 2003)
Some countries have found that a database with just 1% of the population profiled can provide a 40% chance that a crime scene sample will be matched immediately with an individual's profile on the database. A national DNA database provides numerous monthly matches linking suspects to murders, rapes and motor vehicle crimes.
Using DNA to trace people who are suspected of committing a crime is one of the biggest advances in tackling crime since fingerprinting. When DNA profiling is used wisely it can bring major benefits to society by helping to convict serious criminals including murderers and rapists. Concerns arise, however, when tissue samples, genetic information and personal data are......
