According to a 2019 INTERPOL report, 89 member countries worldwide utilize DNA profiling in criminal investigations.
The use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations has become a standard practice globally. This widespread adoption is facilitated by the development of robust DNA profiling techniques. These techniques allow law enforcement agencies to identify suspects, link individuals to crime scenes, and even exonerate the wrongly accused.
Global Adoption of DNA Profiling
The aforementioned INTERPOL report highlights the following regarding the use of DNA evidence:
- 89 countries reported using DNA profiling for criminal investigations.
- 70 of these countries maintain national DNA databases or repositories.
The presence of national DNA databases in a large number of countries signifies an organized approach to using DNA evidence for law enforcement. These databases typically store DNA profiles collected from individuals involved in criminal activities, providing a valuable resource for comparing samples found at crime scenes.
Implications and Benefits
- Increased accuracy in investigations: DNA evidence provides a scientific basis for identification.
- Efficient crime solving: DNA databases facilitate the rapid identification of suspects.
- Deterrent effect: The ability to track offenders can act as a deterrent against future crimes.
The information from the INTERPOL report clearly demonstrates that the use of DNA evidence has become a prominent feature in law enforcement around the world. The widespread implementation of DNA profiling has dramatically improved the efficacy of criminal investigations and has become an essential tool for the administration of justice in many countries.
