INTERPOL HANDBOOK ON DNA DATA EXCHANGE AND PRACTICE

INTRODUCTIONby ronald k. noblethe secretary general of interpolGlobalization and advances in technology allow criminals to commit crimes acrossinternational borders with greater ease than ever before. With criminal methods andtactics changing continuously, the tools used to fight crime also need to keep pace.One area where cutting-edge developments have emerged is that of the use of DNAevidence, meaning that ethics and best practice of DNA profiling now need to beaddressed on a global scale. At INTERPOL, we are doing just that; assisting the lawenforcement and forensic community by supporting, facilitating, and promoting the useof DNA analysis on a national, regional and international level.In order to meet the growing need for INTERPOL member countries to exchangeand compare DNA profiles, we have developed several DNA data-sharing tools,known collectively as the INTERPOL DNA Gateway. These include an internationalDNA Database, an international search request form for bilateral exchange and ameans for secure standardized electronic transfer. Since the introduction in 2003 ofthe INTERPOL DNA Database, over 50 member countries have contributed profilesfor international searches and storage. This number is remarkable given that today nomore than 54 member countries operate a national DNA Database. However, thesetools cannot function in isolation, which is why we back up our high-tech data exchangesystems with promotional workshops, DNA conferences and resources such as thispublication.The INTERPOL Handbook on DNA Data Exchange and Practice was first publishedin 2001. Translated into seven different languages, and available via the Internet andseveral intranet channels, it has become popular with investigators all over the world.Since its initial publication, the number of national DNA Databases in existence hasmore than doubled, and techniques, standards, applications and experiences in all fieldsrelating to DNA profiling have changed considerably. In response, the INTERPOL DNAMonitoring Expert Group has reviewed and updated the Handbook, with the aim ofproviding state-of-the-art recommendations to police and forensic science servicesand maximizing the benefits of using DNA profiling techniques worldwide. It is ourhope that this handbook will help define global standards in relation to DNA profilingand will further enhance the capabilities of INTERPOL member countries.Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this manual, makingit an essential reference for investigators across the world, and to encourage anyfeedback. Your comments, experience and professional insight will help us keep theINTERPOL Handbook on DNA Data Exchange and Practice as up-to-date and relevantas possible.introduction PAGE 5