Come la scienza combatte il crimine nel Regno Unito

Using science to fight crime

Science and technology are vital tools in the fight against crime. Our policies are directly influenced by advances in science and technology.
Forensic science (or forensics) is the use of scientific knowledge to investigate, either to solve a crime, or for some other legal reason. Forensics may be used by pathologists to determine cause of death, for example, or by police to match a crime to a criminal.

Forensic science often involves using DNA. DNA is the genetic code found in every cell in our bodies. Each person’s DNA is unique and it can therefore be used to help identify people.

The national DNA database
DNA derived from samples taken from crime scenes or from individuals held in police custody can be searched against the records held in the national DNA database (new window) . This use of DNA technology has made a significant contribution in detecting serious crime, a DNA match on the database can:
• suggest the possible identity of an offender
• help solve ‘cold cases’ – unsolved crimes which occurred years ago
• help catch serious offenders when they are picked up for a minor offence and their DNA is matched to samples already held on the database
• eliminate individuals from suspicion when their DNA does not match with that found at a crime scene

Working together
Technological advances made by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (new window) have contributed to the development of:
• more effective methods for detecting fingerprints at crime scenes
• specialist equipment to assist the police in covert surveillance operations
• improved systems to scan for drugs, weapons and explosives
• lighter body armour to protect police officers
The expansion and development of the national DNA database (new window) has made a significant contribution in detecting serious crime.

Forensic science and the Home Office
We liaise with the Forensic Science Service, Research Councils, and the forensic science and pathology communities. The Forensic pathology unit in the Home Office oversees the provision of forensic pathology services in England and Wales . We publish documents for Forensic pathologists and are currently developing national competencies and standards for pathologists to adhere to.

fonte:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/using-science/dna-database/ click su link a sinistra:using science to fight crime

Regno Unito: il più vasto Dna database esistente

The national DNA database


The national DNA database is a key police intelligence tool that helps to:
• quickly identify offenders
• make earlier arrests
• secure more convictions
• provide critical investigative leads for police investigations
DNA samples obtained for analysis from the collection of DNA at crime scenes and from samples taken from individuals in police custody can be held in the national DNA database.

The UK’s database is the largest of any country: 5.2% of the UK population is on the database compared with 0.5% in the USA.
The database has expanded significantly over the last five years. By the end of 2005 over 3.4 million DNA profiles were held on the database – the profiles of the majority of the known active offender population.

This expansion and investment is being closely followed by Europe and America who are keen to emulate the crime-solving successes of the database.

Maintaining and developing the database is one of the government’s top priorities, with government and police investment of over £300million over the last five years. However, there are no plans to introduce a universal compulsory or voluntary, DNA database.

Oversight of the database
A Home Office unit is responsible for regulating the database. This work is overseen by a board composed of the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities. The Human Genetics Commission are also represented on the board, and there are plans to establish an ethics group to contribute and offer advice.

The government retained control of the database from the Forensic Science Service in December 2005, when the Forensic Science Service became a GovCo.

Read the National DNA Database Annual Report for 2005-06
Read the National DNA Database Annual Report for 2004-5
Read the National DNA Database Annual Report for 2003-4
Read the National DNA Database Annual Report for 2002-3

More documents and information about the database

Why are people who have not been convicted on the database?
Before 2001, the police could take DNA samples during investigations but had to destroy the samples and the records derived from them on the Database if the people concerned were acquitted or charges were not proceeded with.
The law was changed in 2001 to remove this requirement, and changed again in 2004 so that DNA samples could be taken from anyone arrested for a recordable offence and detained in a police station.

Does this pose any privacy problems?
Any intrusion on personal privacy is proportionate to the benefits that are gained.
By the end of 2005, about 200,000 samples had been retained that would have been destroyed before the 2001 change in legislation. 8,000 of these samples matched with DNA taken from crime scenes, involving nearly 14,000 offences, including murders and rapes.
In 2005-06 45,000 crimes were matched against records on the DNA Database; including 422 homicides (murders and manslaughters) and 645 rapes.

Are under 18’s disproportionately represented?
No. Under 18s make up 23% of all arrests, and so a comparative proportion of profiles is to be expected. There are no legal powers to take a DNA sample from anyone under ten without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Fonte:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/using-science/dna-database/