Law enforcement wants to use more DNA characteristics
In the future, law enforcement authorities will be allowed to extract more information from a DNA trace. The corresponding amendment to the law is currently being consulted.
If biological trace material such as hair, blood, etc. can be found at the scene of a crime, it can be used to create a DNA profile. With so-called phenotyping, it is now possible to read out externally visible characteristics of a person from a DNA trace, as the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) writes. In the future, it wants to be able to use these new possibilities to close an investigative gap. Today, only the sex of a person can be determined from a DNA trace. Now, law enforcement agencies also want to determine eye color, hair color, skin color, biogeographical origin and age, as these provide valuable information for investigative and tracing work. According to Fedpol, this, together with witness statements or evaluations of digital data, would provide a clearer picture of the wanted person.
Characteristics must not be included in DNA database
According to the Fedpol, the method should only be used for felonies, i.e. criminal offenses punishable by prison sentences of three years or more (e.g. rape, murder, aggravated robbery, hostage-taking). The procedure is not available for misdemeanors such as property damage. The results of the phenotyping analysis may only be used for the investigation of a specific, current case. It must not be stored in the DNA database, it explicitly states. The Federal Council recently sent the draft for the amendment of the DNA profile law for consultation. The revised law defines, according to the information, when other external characteristics of a person can be examined on the basis of a DNA trace in addition to the person's gender. Furthermore, the law simplifies the deletion periods for DNA profiles and explicitly regulates the comparison of a trace with a relationship reference. The consultation period will last until November 30, 2019.
