Canada's National DNA Databank - My Tour
What an interesting day I had yesterday. I met with two great people who are with the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness (http://www.ccfaa.com) - John Muise and Ellen Campbell - and I had a tour of Canada's National DNA Databank.
This tour also included a presentation which was so incredibly interesting to me. We all know the importance of DNA for solving crimes - after all, we see the success over and over again on TV shows like CSI!
But what most of us don't know is that the databank could in fact have thousands of more samples if only our judges would be more proactive in requesting DNA orders. Sadly our judges are only making DNA orders about 50% of the time that they could! It's seen as optional so unless a lawyer requests the DNA order, it's often overlooked. This has a huge ripple effect on solving crimes because the less profiles held in the databank, the less leads our police officers have.
Another big misconception is with respect to identity and privacy. The databank profiles are identified by barcodes NOT names!
And lastly, we need to still expand the overall sample volume. And this means we need to follow the lead from the UK. It's a known fact that crime escalates so let's get samples from even "petty crimes". Once someone breaks the law, I believe (as do many others), they should be included in the DNA Databank. This may make them think twice about committing another crime. Or if they do commit another crime - regarless of the scope - they can be apprehended. It may also prove them to be innocent.
I could go on and on about this...more later...
This tour also included a presentation which was so incredibly interesting to me. We all know the importance of DNA for solving crimes - after all, we see the success over and over again on TV shows like CSI!
But what most of us don't know is that the databank could in fact have thousands of more samples if only our judges would be more proactive in requesting DNA orders. Sadly our judges are only making DNA orders about 50% of the time that they could! It's seen as optional so unless a lawyer requests the DNA order, it's often overlooked. This has a huge ripple effect on solving crimes because the less profiles held in the databank, the less leads our police officers have.
Another big misconception is with respect to identity and privacy. The databank profiles are identified by barcodes NOT names!
And lastly, we need to still expand the overall sample volume. And this means we need to follow the lead from the UK. It's a known fact that crime escalates so let's get samples from even "petty crimes". Once someone breaks the law, I believe (as do many others), they should be included in the DNA Databank. This may make them think twice about committing another crime. Or if they do commit another crime - regarless of the scope - they can be apprehended. It may also prove them to be innocent.
I could go on and on about this...more later...
posted by Carolyn Gardner at 1:12 p.m. 
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