Aspectos éticos de los bancos de datos de DNA de interés policial

El primer banco de datos policial basado en perfiles genéticos de DNA se introdujo en el Reino Unido en 1995. La identificación de posibles sospechosos se realiza por la comparación directa de un perfil genético recuperado del lugar de los hechos con otro almacenado en un banco de datos. Desde un principio se ha demostrado que dichos bancos de DNA son una herramienta de investigación policial poderosa, pero que presenta diversos problemas éticos. Posteriormente se fue más allá buscando coincidencias parciales, que podrían indicar un vínculo familiar entre un perfil genético almacenado y otro obtenido en el lugar de los hechos. Este procedimiento genera un elevado número de sospechosos potenciales entre personas ajenas al caso que se investiga. Recientemente la búsqueda policial basada en el DNA ha penetrado en bancos de datos de interés no criminal, sino destinados a estimar el origen étnico de personas o descubrir familiares lejanos. Este tipo de búsquedas ha suscitado la posibilidad de generar un banco de datos universal de DNA, donde toda la población estuviese incluida. Estos y otros aspectos bioéticos respecto a la información basada en el DNA y a su acceso son tratados en el presente artículo. The first police databank based on DNA genetic profiles was introduced in the UK in 1995. Identification of potential suspects is carried out by direct comparison of a genetic profile retrieved from the crime scene with another stored in a databank. DNA databanks have been proven from the outset to be a powerful police investigative tool, but they present a number of ethical issues. Later, it went further looking for partial coincidences, which could indicate a family link between a stored genetic profile and one obtained at the crime scene. This procedure generates a high number of potential suspects among people not related with the case under investigation. Recently, the DNA-based police search has penetrated databanks of non-criminal interest, but aimed at estimating the ethnic origin of people or discovering distant relatives. This type of search has raised the possibility of generating a universal DNA databank, where the entire population were included. These and other bioethical aspects regarding information based on DNA and its access are dealt with in this article.

Finding Needle in the Haystack: “Kasur’s Bogeyman” Brought to Justice by Geographic Profiling and Mass DNA Screening

This article describes the application of the concept of geographic profiling in hunting a serial child rapist in Kasur, Pakistan. It also discusses, how DNA became the prime witness against the serial rapist in the court of law. In January 2018, the blind rape and murder case of Zainab Amin hit the headlines. Following autopsy and the subsequent forensic examination, the only piece of evidence, the agencies had, was the DNA profile of the perpetrator and the information that the source of DNA profile is a serial child rapist, involved in at least seven more cases. The analysis of all crime sites and the distance between them strongly suggested that the offender most likely was a local resident. Mass DNA screening in the target region was conducted by CSI teams of Punjab forensic science agency. The DNA matched with suspect number 814 who later confessed all his crimes. In Polygraph examination, the offender revealed his modus operandi which was in line with the hypotheses made during the geographic profiling of the crime scenes. Thus, geographic profiling proved to be a very useful investigative tool in predicting the probable location of the criminal involved in a series of crimes.

Cardiovascular Aging and Physical Activity: Insights From Metabolomics

The purpose of this review is to explore how metabolomics can help uncover mechanisms through which physical activity may influence the progression of cardiovascular aging. Cardiovascular aging is a process of functional and structural changes in older adults which can progress to cardiovascular disease. Metabolomics profiling is an investigative tool that can track the diverse changes which occur in human biochemistry with physical activity and aging. This mini review will summarize published investigations in metabolomics and physical activity, with a specific focus on the metabolic pathways that connect physical activity with cardiovascular aging.

Offender-Centric Policing in Cases of Rape

The article explores the idea of ‘offender-centric’ policing in cases of rape, with its focus on suspect and offender admissions and behaviours. It features discussion of 11 cases, illustrating offender-centric pathways to charge or conviction, the challenges facing complainants, suspects and police officers, along with missed opportunities to focus on a suspect’s behaviour. The importance of victim care and support is discussed, and it is argued that victim care should accompany an offender-centric approach to rape investigation. It is also argued that there are potential dangers with offender-centric tactics, specifically, that without due care it may become a self-confirming investigative tool influenced by confirmation bias which may lead to flawed decision-making. The article concludes by arguing that offender-centric policing has benefits in those cases with suspects who engage in predatory behaviour, have a history of previously undisclosed sexual offending and domestic violence and other problematic behaviours. It also has value in focusing the attention of investigators on what steps were taken by a suspect to ascertain the complainant’s consent. While the offender-centric approach cannot address all investigative challenges in rape cases, it is a useful addition to existing strategies.

Modi's Strategic Concerns and China's Belt & Road Imitative (BRI): A Realist Perspective

This article provides a conceptual and theoretical framework to analyze motivations of China in BRI, which is conceived as a project of the 21st century for the revival of erstwhile Asian values, this paper is not a critique on BRI, but it securitizes India's concern whose policymakers consider that it can harm the strategic interest of India. This paper investigates why Indian policymakers have demonstrated reluctance to join BRI. Moreover, the study also explores the major reasons behind India's belligerent policy against BRI because they conceive it as a danger for their national sovereignty. Besides, this research has applied realist theory as an investigative tool to prove Indian concerns. As a whole, the paper analyses that how far the rivalry between both states can harm regional peace if they fail to find any suitable solution considering the BRI project.

CCTV placement in Gaborone City, Botswana

Public surveillance technology through the installation of Closed-Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) has been widely acknowledged as a tool for monitoring population movements and preventing crime. Based on this technological value, the installation of CCTV cameras has become a growing trend in many cities globally. The year 2018 will be remembered as the year when CCTV cameras were first installed in the city of Gaborone, Botswana, and its surrounding villages for purposes of detecting criminal activities and preventing crime. The value of CCTV cameras in preventing crime and as an investigative tool has been an area of interest among researchers. Among scholarly studies on this field, the focus has been on the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in preventing crime and their value as an investigative tool. Since CCTV cameras have just been installed in the city of Gaborone, it may be too early to evaluate the extent to which they effectively prevent crime in this city. The purpose of this study is to document the use of public surveillance cameras in Gaborone and its surrounding areas and assess their geographic placement in light of the principles of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) theory. Using data collected through site observation and key informant interviews, we argue for a rigorous review and assessment of the current installation and placement of CCTV cameras in Gaborone city and further scholarly study to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of CCTV camera use for crime prevention in this city.