Genetic footprint and forensic evidence

Genetic identification:

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules contain the information that all living cells in the human body need to function. It also controls the inheritance of parents' qualities to their children. With the exception of real twins, each person has their own genetic markers, which makes fingerprint sampling useful in detecting perpetrators, identifying disaster victims and finding missing persons.

The role of genetic fingerprints in detecting crimes:

Genetic fingerprints can play a crucial role in detecting perpetrators, as they allow linking chains of crime and / or determining the presence of a suspect at the crime scene. Equally important, genetic fingerprints can help prove a suspect's innocence.

The first step to obtaining DNA fingerprints for comparison is to take crime scene samples and reference samples from suspects. Samples are usually taken from blood, hair or body fluids. Advances in genetic fingerprinting techniques allow sampling of the simplest trace found at the crime scene. The sample is analyzed using forensic science to obtain a genetic fingerprint comparable to other genetic markers within the database. This allows for matches that may indicate previously unknown links between a crime scene or person and a crime scene or person and another.

INTERPOL Genetic Fingerprint Database:

Police in member countries can transmit these genetic fingerprints from perpetrators, crime scenes, missing persons and unidentified bodies to INTERPOL's database. This database, known as the Genetic Fingerprint Portal, was created in 2002 and contained only one file of genetic fingerprints. However, by the end of 2012, the database had more than 136,000 genetic fingerprints sent from 67 member countries. Contributing member countries persist in using the DNA database as a means of action in their criminal investigations, which periodically reveals potential matches between genetic fingerprints from member countries - and during 2012, member country investigations led to 84 international matches.

Member countries have access to the database through INTERPOL's global police communications system I-24/7 and, upon request, can also extend access to the database beyond national central offices to include forensic centers and laboratories in member countries.

INTERPOL is merely a channel for exchanging and comparing information in this area. FAO does not maintain any nominal data that would allow DNA to be linked to a person. Genetic fingerprints are simply a list of numbers that are identified based on a person's DNA model and give a digital code that can be used to distinguish between people. This fingerprint does not include any information on the physical or psychological fingerprint of a person, his illnesses or his susceptibility to illness. Member countries that use the DNA portal retain ownership of the fingerprint data and control, in accordance with their national laws, their accessibility, access and destruction by other member countries.

Standardization and the establishment of professional ethics and good practices:

INTERPOL calls for the adoption of international standards and technical systems with a view to enhancing the chances of successful international cross-border cooperation and for example:

The DNA portal was developed in accordance with internationally recognized standards to facilitate the electronic transfer of DNA data between INTERPOL and its member countries.

The DNA portal is compliant with the European Union's Broome Convention (an initiative launched in 2005 to simplify information exchange between EU countries) and with the selected criteria for international export of DNA fingerprinting to countries using CODES (a DNA matching program, designed by the FBI).

The G-8 “GPRS” network uses INTERPOL I-24/7 and the standards it has developed on genetic fingerprinting for fingerprinting among G8 member countries.

In addition to the DNA portal, INTERPOL strongly supports the increasing use of DNA in international police investigations through several other activities:

The Monitoring Group of Experts, a body of forensic experts and experienced investigators who provide advice to INTERPOL, encourage authorities in member countries to develop or expand national DNA profiles, and develop standardized standards for DNA collection and accreditation of forensic laboratories to ensure the safety of samples.

The Biennial Investigators Users Conference, which is held every two years and addresses the latest developments in DNA applications and calls for the dissemination of the use of good practices and DNA techniques in criminal investigations.

INTERPOL's regional and national DNA fingerprint workshops are organized to promote and facilitate access to the international exchange of genetic fingerprints through the INTERPOL DNA portal.

A number of sources, published on the INTERPOL website, include a complete handbook on the exchange and use of genetic fingerprints, a comprehensive identification of DNA and a training film.