Advancing DNA Analysis Project
Forensic technology for the future
This ANZPAA NIFS project involves coordination and facilitation activities to assist the jurisdictions to update the DNA analysis system currently used in investigations. The project has commenced the validation/verification stage of the new DNA analysis system.
The new DNA analysis system operates in essentially the same way as the current system, but with improved chemistry and an increase in the number of sites on the DNA tested.
These changes significantly increase the chance of obtaining a DNA profile. Where no result or a partial result offering very limited evidentiary value was obtained using the old method, a result is significantly more likely. This is useful in cases such as cold cases or disaster victim identification (DVI) situations.
There are numerous other benefits to using the new DNA analysis system, particularly in solving crime, identifying recidivist activity and improving the ability to match missing persons to deceased remains.
ANZPAA NIFS is currently liaising with the jurisdictional laboratories and CrimTrac, who is making the required changes to the National DNA Database. The project started in early 2011 and it is anticipated that it should be completed in most jurisdictions by April 2012.
Benefits of the new DNA marker set:
- able to solve more crime, particularly in cold cases
- ability to identify recidivist activity
- able to identify deceased remains
- improved victim identification in major disasters
- consistency of approach across Australia
- consistent with international approaches to DNA analysis
- improved ability to share DNA data internationally (subject to legislation).