National DNA Sample Collections Video Conference

The next National DNA Video Conference will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2001 at 11:30 EST. More details will be forwarded directly to our regular participants. The next DNA update will include highlights from the video conference.

Statistics

As of January 8, 2001, the NDDB had distributed more than 40,000 DNA Sample collection kits, and had received a total of 3,424 DNA samples. Most of the samples received (95%) are blood samples.

• Retroactive samples: 244
• Retrospective samples: 2,189
• Prospective samples: 991
• Samples rejected: 40
  
  
• Profiles in Crime Scene Index: * 940 *

(Note: The number of profiles contained in the Crime Scene Index in the last Update was incorrect. It should have read 358. Our apologies for the error).

Rejected samples

Most of the samples being rejected by the Data Bank are due to officer error. All officers are requested to please follow the DNA Sample Collections Checklist which is included with each collection kit.

The NDDB has been able to process some DNA samples which were originally rejected due to officer error (e.g.: missing fingerprints on the back of the sample card or mismatched bar codes). In some of these cases, the officer has sworn an affidavit stating that the biological sample and the fingerprints both came from the same offender on the same date, and the sample has been processed.

This is, however, a time consuming and expensive process, which can only be applied to a limited number of rejected samples. It is also a compromise, which means that in order to protect the integrity of the Data Bank, the offender's CPIC file will not be flagged. If the offender is later convicted of another qualifying offence, a new DNA sample collection order should be issued, and a new sample taken to replace the original "compromise" sample in the Data Bank.

CPIC Bulletins: Clarification

There has been some confusion over what information will be available on CPIC regarding DNA samples. The National CPIC Advisory Committee met in November, and approved the following items.

Part 1: CNI

When an offender's DNA profile is added to the Data Bank, Criminal History Branch is alerted, and a note is added to the offender's file in the Criminal Name Index. When a CNI query is made on the offender, the notice "DNA ON KNOWN OFFENDER DATA BANK" will appear. This alerts the police force making the inquiry that a successful DNA profile has already been filed with the Data Bank, and another sample is not required.

Part 2: Outstanding Collection Orders

Also in the works are "Special Interest Person" (SIP) flags on CPIC for outstanding DNA sample collection orders. These will be placed on offender files when a DNA sample collection order has been approved, but the sample has not been taken (usually due to an offender's failure to appear). Look for SIP flags starting in the spring.

Training Kits

Effective January 1, 2001, the Data Bank will no longer be providing DNA sample collection kits for training. Training kits and other training supplies are still available from external suppliers.

New NDDB Web Site

The Data Bank is working in partnership with Learning and Development Branch to create a new, dedicated Web site. It will contain training materials, statistical updates, legislative and policy updates, template forms, affidavits, and more. We expect to launch the new Web site early in the new year. Stay tuned for more details.

Next Update

The next DNA Update will be distributed the week of February 26, 2001. Please send us your questions, comments, and success stories by February 6, 2001.

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