Circling the Perpetrator: Intelligence-Led DNA Screening as an Investigating Tool

• NCJ Number: 217715
• Author(s): C. J. de Poot; E. W. Kruisbergen
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 231 pages
• Sale Source: Boom Juridische Unitgevers (Royal Boom Publishers)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Country: Netherlands
• Note: English Summary

Annotation

This report describes the results of a study on the application of intelligence-led DNA screening in the Netherlands.

Abstract

Results indicated that in 2 of the 14 intelligence-led DNA screenings under analysis, the perpetrator was identified from among the participating non-suspects. In one case, a non-cooperating person was subjected to closer investigation and was ultimately found to be the guilty party. In another case, although a suspect was not identified, a series of arson attacks and threats suddenly ceased after intelligence-led DNA screenings were conducted. While the data does not lend itself to an analysis of the effectiveness of intelligence-led DNA screenings, the authors do conclude that the effective use of intelligence-led DNA screenings must include a clear definition of the scope of the screenings and the individuals to be screened, which should be based on intelligence acquired during the initial investigation. So long as the general willingness of the public to voluntarily participate in intelligence-led DNA screenings is high, the use of intelligence-led DNA screenings can make an important contribution to a criminal investigation. Data were drawn from 22 criminal investigations, 14 of which used intelligence-led DNA screenings as an investigative technique. The criminal files were provided by the Dutch National Office of the Public Prosecution Service and the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). In addition to files, data were gathered from officials of both agencies via questionnaires and face-to-face or telephone interviews. Main research questions focused on the considerations involved in using intelligence-led DNA screenings, how this investigative tool is used, and the factors that influence the results of intelligence-led DNA screenings. In addition to the findings, the report also discusses the practical and legal dilemmas involved with conducting intelligence-led DNA screenings, including dilemmas related to the scope of a criminal investigation and the type of information DNA material contains. Relevant legislation is also discussed before the main findings are presented. Tables, footnotes, references, appendixes