scholarly journals The Effects of DNA Databases on the Deterrence and Detection of Offenders

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-225
Author(s):  
Anne Sofie Tegner Anker ◽  
Jennifer L. Doleac ◽  
Rasmus Landersø
Keyword(s):  
Family Environment ◽  
Detection Probability ◽  
Criminal Offenders ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Large Expansion ◽  
Stable Family

This paper studies the effects of adding criminal offenders to a DNA database. Using a large expansion of Denmark’s DNA database, we find that DNA registration reduces recidivism within the following year by up to 42 percent. It also increases the probability that offenders are identified if they recidivate, which we use to estimate the elasticity of crime with respect to the detection probability and find that a 1 percent higher detection probability reduces crime by more than 2 percent. We also find that DNA registration increases the likelihood that offenders find employment, enroll in education, and live in a more stable family environment. (JEL J22, J24, K42)

Pedigrees and Perpetrators: Uses of DNA and Genealogy in Forensic Investigations

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 535-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara H. Katsanis
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Genomic Databases ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Dna Evidence ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Polymorphism Data ◽  
Genome Comparisons

In the past few years, cases with DNA evidence that could not be solved with direct matches in DNA databases have benefited from comparing single-nucleotide polymorphism data with private and public genomic databases. Using a combination of genome comparisons and traditional genealogical research, investigators can triangulate distant relatives to the contributor of DNA data from a crime scene, ultimately identifying perpetrators of violent crimes. This approach has also been successful in identifying unknown deceased persons and perpetrators of lesser crimes. Such advances are bringing into focus ethical questions on how much access to DNA databases should be granted to law enforcement and how best to empower public genome contributors with control over their data. The necessary policies will take time to develop but can be informed by reflection on the familial searching policies developed for searches of the federal DNA database and considerations of the anonymity and privacy interests of civilians.

scholarly journals The United Kingdom (UK)

2020 ◽  
pp. 119-136
Author(s):  
Nina Amelung ◽  
Rafaela Granja ◽  
Helena Machado
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Nation State ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Criminal Intelligence ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
The Uk

Abstract The UK is the possessor of the world’s oldest and largest DNA database by proportion of population: the National Criminal Intelligence DNA Database, established in 1995. As a nation-state that holds one of the world’s largest DNA databases, the UK has been dealing systematically with the societal effects triggered by various ethical controversies. In terms of bordering practices, the UK serves as an example of an ambivalent mode of re- and debordering. This ambivalence derives from the UK’s changing position regarding the Prüm system. In 2014, the UK government, driven by the parliament, decided to opt out of the Prüm Decisions. In 2015, after a Prüm-style pilot project run with other EU Member States, the UK decided to opt in. This decision, nonetheless, included the imposition of limits on other EU countries’ access to the UK’s data. Consequently, the UK’s debordering practices co-exist with rebordering attempts aimed at restricting access to their own data.

scholarly journals A Collective Algorithmic ApproachFor Enhanced DNA Database Security

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-178
Author(s):  
Vijay Arputharaj J ◽  
Dr.R. Manicka Chezian
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Human Genetics ◽  
Database Security ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Parental Identification ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Encryption Algorithms ◽  
The Individual

The proposed method is a mixture of several security methods namely digital authentication tag along with the data mining in the DNA database. Data mining in the area of human genetics, an important goal is to understand the mapping relationship between the individual variation in human DNA sequences and variability in various algorithms for database security issues, for mutation susceptibility and parental identification differences. This paper primarily deals with the advancement of genetic algorithm with proper security features in DNA Databases and it enhances the special features in DNA database security. Several security methods include encryption algorithms, higher, not as much of multifaceted with trouble-free to apply in DNA Databases, used for protected database. The Reverse Encryption algorithm to protect data,Advance Cryptography algorithm to resist data, also Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is most preferable for security in DNA databases.

Functioning of DNA Database in Poland

2017 ◽  
Vol 297 ◽  
pp. 59-65
Author(s):  
Anna Jurga ◽  
◽  
Jakub Mondzelewski ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Police Work ◽  
The Other ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Criminal Cases ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Small Collection ◽  
Dna Profiles

Forensic DNA databases that operate in the zone forming an interface between science and law have the purpose of gathering and processing DNA profiles for the needs of law enforcement and judicial authorities responsible for preventing and combating crime. Therefore, their appropriate functioning is important. On one hand, it improves efficiency of police work and, on the other hand, it has to play a required role in protecting citizen rights and personal data. The National DNA Database has functioned in Poland since 2007. Its effectiveness is correlated with the number of stored profiles. Despite small collection the Database has on numerous occasions proven its high usefulness in solving criminal cases. The possibility of carrying out searches in other countries databases, as well as legislative and organisational undertakings aiming at improvement of the Database operation are gradually bringing effects and result in an increased detective potential of this tool.

scholarly journals The Effects of DNA Databases on Crime

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Doleac
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Crime Rates ◽  
Rigorous Analysis ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
The Media ◽  
Aggregate Effects ◽  
Dna Profiles

Every US state has a database of criminal offenders' DNA profiles. These databases receive widespread attention in the media and popular culture, but there has been no rigorous analysis of their impact on crime. This paper intends to fill that gap. I exploit the details and timing of state DNA database expansions in two ways, first to address the effects of DNA profiling on individuals' subsequent criminal behavior and then to address the aggregate effects on crime rates. I show that DNA databases deter crime by profiled offenders, reduce crime rates, and are more cost-effective than traditional law enforcement tools. (JEL H76, K42)

scholarly journals Support for the Forensic DNA Database and Public Safety Concerns: An Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-117
Author(s):  
Monica Pivetti ◽  
Antonella Caggiano ◽  
Filippo Cieri ◽  
Silvia Di Battista ◽  
Chiara Berti
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Criminal Code ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Criminal Offenders ◽  
The Past ◽  
Legal Literacy ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Procedure Code

Background: Over the past few decades, 32 European countries have introduced a national DNA database containing samples and/or profiles from suspected/convicted criminal offenders and biological materials from crime scenes. However, only a few studies have empirically investigated opinions on such a practice and the psychosocial factors possibly predicting public support or opposition. Objective: This study aims to preliminarily explore public support for a national DNA database in Italy. In particular, the role played by psychosocial factors, such as concern over individual rights vs. public safety, as well as genetic and juridical/legal literacy in the public’s acceptance of a forensic DNA database, was investigated. Method: Within a correlational study, a written questionnaire was administered to a sample (N = 242) of university students. Results: Participants generally showed support for a forensic DNA database. Concerns over public safety predicted the acceptance of a DNA database, with those valuing public safety being more supportive of its implementation, whereas no role was played by familiarity with the fundamental mechanisms of genetics and with the Italian Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. Conclusion: Empirical research on this issue could provide policymakers and the police force with a better picture of the psychosocial factors underlying public support for the DNA database.

California's Proposition 69: A Dangerous Precedent for Criminal DNA Databases

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Simoncelli ◽  
Barry Steinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Dna Fingerprint ◽  
Violent Crimes ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Amount Of Information ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Initiative Process

On November 2, 2004, California voters approved Proposition 69, “The DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime, and Innocence Protection Act” by a margin of approximately 60 to 40 percent. Given the limited amount of information provided to voters during the initiative process, it is unclear how many of the yea-sayers were apprised of the full implications of this measure. Indeed, by voting “yes” on Proposition 69, California has elected to house the most radical and costly state criminal DNA database in the country. This dangerous expansion of California's database poses tremendous threats to civil liberties and social justice while offering little, if anything, by way of increasing the safety of its citizens.Prior to November 2, California law required the permanent retention of DNA samples from felons convicted of serious, violent crimes. The new law expands the database to include DNA samples from all felons and individuals with past felony convictions - including juveniles - and, beginning in five years, all adults arrested for any felony offense.

California's Proposition 69: A Dangerous Precedent for Criminal DNA Databases

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Simoncelli ◽  
Barry Steinhardt
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Dna Fingerprint ◽  
Violent Crimes ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Amount Of Information ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
Initiative Process

On November 2, 2004, California voters approved Proposition 69, “The DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime, and Innocence Protection Act” by a margin of approximately 60 to 40 percent. Given the limited amount of information provided to voters during the initiative process, it is unclear how many of the yea-sayers were apprised of the full implications of this measure. Indeed, by voting “yes” on Proposition 69, California has elected to house the most radical and costly state criminal DNA database in the country. This dangerous expansion of California's database poses tremendous threats to civil liberties and social justice while offering little, if anything, by way of increasing the safety of its citizens.Prior to November 2, California law required the permanent retention of DNA samples from felons convicted of serious, violent crimes.

scholarly journals PARENTING PLANS IN TERMS OF THE CHILDREN’S ACT: SERVING THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PARENT OR THE CHILD?

Obiter ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans Mashilo Mahlobogwane
Keyword(s):  
Family Environment ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Legal Basis ◽  
Primary Caretaker ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Stable Family ◽  
Parenting Plan

The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 provides the legal basis for the reshaping of the exercise of parental responsibilities and rights. In previous case law the custody of a child was assigned to the parent who had been the primary caretaker during the subsistence of the marriage relationship, although the overriding factor remained the best interests of the child. This model has proved to be insufficient in order to promote the need for a child to be brought up in a stable family environment or, where this is not possible, in an environment that is as close as possible to a caring family environment; including the child’s right to maintain close contact with both parents. Facing this shortfall, the legislature adopted a “parenting-plan” model in terms of the Children’s Act, which attempts to help parents to set aside their differences and work out a plan which is in their child’s best interests. The parenting plan further attempts to help parents in exercising their parental responsibilities and rights over their children. The purpose of this article is to analyse this legal solution in an effort to ascertain whether it really promotes the best interests of the child, namely, promoting his/her right of growing up in a close relationship with both parents. 

Elimination DNA database – an opportunity or a threat? A review of the functioning of elimination databases in selected countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 295 ◽  
pp. 43-55
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Ćwik ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Present System ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Legal Basis ◽  
European Network ◽  
Dna Databases ◽  
Database Querying ◽  
Dna Database ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Contamination Events ◽  
Source Materials

One of the basic provisions laying down the rationale for the functioning of elimination DNA databases is the 20th recommendation of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes - ENFSI, set out in the document entitled: “The DNA Database management. Review and recommendations”, developed by ENFSI DNA Working Group. The recommendation states clearly that each DNA database should also include an elimination database(s) containing the profiles and data of persons who may have been the source of the so-called cross-contamination of traces being the subject of analysis. The purpose of this article was to illustrate the essence of functioning of elimination DNA databases on the example of selected countries, with particular regard to, among others, system solutions applied, directories of persons subject to registration, legal basis and the number of contamination events detected as a result of database querying. A bibliographic query and analysis of source materials and foreign procedures enabled the author to present system solutions and the basics of functioning of selected elimination DNA databases established worldwide. Moreover, the author emphasized the importance of elimination databases as a tool for identifying the offenders and highlighted certain opportunities and risks involved in their implementation.

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