INTERPOL DNA Database

Overview
The INTERPOL DNA Database was developed in 2002. 54 countries currently populate the Database. The Database is used in police investigations to search a DNA profile against all other international profiles that have been submitted for unsolved crime stains, convicted offenders, suspects, unidentified bodies and missing persons. Each country retains ownership of its profile data and controls its submission, destruction and access by other countries in accordance with their national laws.

In respect of data confidentiality, an important parameter in the Database is that DNA profiles are searched without the name of the person to whom the profile belongs. When there is a database match, the countries concerned are informed and invited to co-operate bilaterally should they choose to pursue the investigation. This procedure ensures that only when there is a match in the Database will the identification and circumstances of the suspect be revealed between the countries concerned, should they so decide. Also, to ensure the quality, and therefore reliability of DNA profiles, countries must declare if the DNA profile was produced in an accredited laboratory.