Elimination DNA database – an opportunity or a threat? A review of the functioning of elimination databases in selected countries

Abstract

One of the basic provisions laying down the rationale for the functioning of elimination DNA databases is the 20th recommendation of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes - ENFSI, set out in the document entitled: “The DNA Database management. Review and recommendations”, developed by ENFSI DNA Working Group. The recommendation states clearly that each DNA database should also include an elimination database(s) containing the profiles and data of persons who may have been the source of the so-called cross-contamination of traces being the subject of analysis. The purpose of this article was to illustrate the essence of functioning of elimination DNA databases on the example of selected countries, with particular regard to, among others, system solutions applied, directories of persons subject to registration, legal basis and the number of contamination events detected as a result of database querying. A bibliographic query and analysis of source materials and foreign procedures enabled the author to present system solutions and the basics of functioning of selected elimination DNA databases established worldwide. Moreover, the author emphasized the importance of elimination databases as a tool for identifying the offenders and highlighted certain opportunities and risks involved in their implementation.