DNA
SYSTEMS IN POLICE STATION - SCI & TECH
News: Why will police stations install DNA systems? |
Explained
What's
in the news?
● In
April 2022, the Criminal Procedure
(Identification) Act (CrPI) was passed by Parliament.
● The
Act enables police and central investigating agencies to collect, store and analyze
physical and biological samples including retina and iris scans of arrested
persons.
● The
rules that would govern the Act were notified in September 2022.
DNA
Matching Systems:
● DNA
matching systems, also known as DNA
profiling or DNA fingerprinting, are methods used to compare and identify
individuals based on their distinctive genetic traits.
● These
systems analyze specific DNA regions, which are highly variable among
individuals, to create a unique genetic profile for each individual.
● DNA
matching is a crucial tool in criminal
investigations, linking suspects to crime scenes or victims by comparing DNA
profiles of potential suspects.
● It
was invented in 1984 by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.
● It
is also known as DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting.
Implementation:
● It
will be implemented under the Criminal
Procedure Identification Act which was passed in 2022; law enables police
and Central investigating agencies to collect, store and analyze physical and
biological samples, including retina and iris scan of arrested persons; NCRB
preparing SOP.
● A
technical sub-committee for
preparing the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for capturing DNA as a
measurement has also been constituted.
● The
States has to identify the locations and prepare the sites where the Measurement Collection Unit (MCU) may
be established as suggested by the NCRB.
● The
Central body under the Ministry of Home
Affairs will be the repository of the database at national level.
Significance:
● Improved Accuracy:
DNA data can be extremely reliable for identifying individuals.
● Streamlined
Investigations: Helps in quicker resolutions of
criminal cases.
● Modernization:
Advances the technology used in crime-fighting.
● National Security:
Centralized database for improved national security protocols
Challenges:
● Data Protection:
Risks around unauthorized access and data leakage.
● Privacy Rights:
Questions about infringing on citizens' right to privacy.
● Officer Training:
Proper handling of DNA samples requires specific training.
● Technical Issues:
Limited connectivity and lack of secured Internet lines in smaller states.