A
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Affidavit |
A sworn statement in writing from police officers.
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B
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Bill C-104 |
The bill that introduced the1995 Criminal Code amendments
that provides for DNA warrants to obtain biological samples
for DNA analysis from persons suspected of committing designated
offences (Criminal Code. i.e. Code s.487.05).
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Bill C-3 and S-10 |
The bills that introduced the legislation proclaimed in force
on June 30, 2000 that includes the DNA Identification Act;
and amendments to the DNA Identification Act, the National
Defence Act and the Criminal Code that establishes the National
DNA Data Bank and the DNA Data Bank sample collection authority.
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| Buccal
swab |
A piece
of absorbent material around one end of a small applicator,
used for the removal of epithelial cells from the inside
of the mouth.
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C
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CODIS |
COmbined
DNA Index System is an electronic database
of DNA profiles. These profiles are generated from convicted
offenders and/or from crime scene evidence. CODIS enables
comparison and data sharing amongst authorized laboratories
using an encrypted secure format. CODIS was developed by
the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI and provided at
no cost to law enforcement forensic laboratories worldwide.
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Convicted Offender Index |
The electronic index composed of DNA profiles developed from
biological samples collected from offenders convicted of designated
offences identified in the Criminal Code. The convicted offender
biological samples are processed in the National DNA Data
Bank in a manner which protects the privacy and secures the
information. (DNA Identification Act s. 5(4))
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Crime Scene Index |
The electronic index composed of DNA profiles obtained from
crime scene investigations of the designated offences addressed
in the Act. The DNA data in the crime scene index is populated
by forensic laboratories across Canada. The electronic
storage and comparison of this information occurs in the
National DNA Data Bank using CODIS. (DNA Identification
Act s. 5(3))
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D
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Designated Offence |
An offence defined in s. 487.04 of the Criminal Code as either
a defined primary designated offence or a secondary designated
offence.
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Dessicant pouch |
A small bag containing a drying agent that helps to preserve
biological samples.
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DNA |
The deoxyribonucleic acid molecule that
encodes genetic information of organisms and is often referred
to as the blueprint of life.
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DNA Identification Act |
Chapter 37 of the 1998 Statutes of Canada - see “Legislation”
section of this website
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DNA Profile (STR) |
With
respect to the data bank this refers to a series of 26 numbers
representing the number of DNA repeats of specific sequences
at 13 locations or test regions. Due to the variation in
the different locations a collective profile is generated
which is highly discriminatory between individuals.
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F
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Forensic Hit |
A CODIS match between DNA profiles from two or more different
crime scenes.
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Forensic Science |
The
application of science to analyze evidence involved in criminal
and civil litigation
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G
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Gender Discrimination test |
A PCR
DNA test that can designate whether a sample originated
from a male or female. Usually performed at the same time
as the STR DNA analysis.
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L
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Lancet |
A single
use 3.0 mm capillary blood sampler that enables a small
drop of blood to be taken from a finger in a safe and reliable
manner.
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M
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Mylar envelope |
A seven
layer barrier envelope, including layers of foil, polyester,
paper and polyethylene, which protects a biological sample
and preserves the integrity of the DNA by preventing sample
exposure to ozone, ultraviolet light and changes in humidity.
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O
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Offender Hit |
A CODIS
match between a crime scene DNA profile and an offender
DNA profile.
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P
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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
A molecular duplicating process that uses basic cellular chemistry
and enzymes to create millions of copies of a desired portion
of DNA through repeated cycling of a reaction using heating/cooling.
This process enables scientists to obtain DNA information
from small or degraded specimens. In forensic science applications,
specific sequences of DNA are targeted that are highly variable
amongst different individuals.
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Prospective sample |
A sample
from an offender who committed and was convicted of a designated
Criminal Code offence after June 30th, 2000. (Criminal Code
s. 487.051)
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R
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Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) |
RFLP is the variation between individuals revealed by the
size of their DNA fragment generated by specific restriction
enzymes. This method was one of the introductory DNA procedures
used in forensic science and has since been replaced by PCR
methodology and STR procedures.
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Retroactive sample |
A sample from an offender who was found guilty of a designated
Criminal Code offence before June 30th, 2000 and who had been
declared a dangerous offender or was convicted of more than
one murder committed at different times, or was convicted
of more than one sexual offence, and on June 30th, 2000 was
serving a sentence of at least two years for one or more of
those offences. (Criminal Code s. 487.055).
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Retrospective sample |
A sample
from an offender who committed a designated Criminal Code
offence before June 30th, 2000 and was convicted after that
date. (Criminal Code s. 487.052).
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S
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Sample Tracking and Control System (STaCS)TM |
A software program developed by the National DNA Data Bank
that integrates the automated process of DNA analysis. The
STaCS TM system tracks, controls and documents all the samples
and processes used to convert biological samples (blood, buccal
or hair) from convicted offenders into simplified numeric
DNA profiles. These profiles can then be matched against DNA
profiles generated from samples found at crime scenes.
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Short Tandem Repeats (STR) |
Short
DNA sequences composed of 3 to 7 base pair units that are
repeated multiple times and arranged in direct tandem succession
in particular regions of the DNA molecule. The variation
of the number of repeat units across numerous test locations
enables discrimination between individuals.
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