The New Zealand DNA Profile Databank

1
The New Zealand DNA Profile Databank

• Dr Jill Vintiner - Forensic Programme Manager,
• Institute of Environmental Science and Research
• Inspector John Walker - National Forensic
  Services Adviser,
• NZ Police

2
Overview of ESR

• New Zealand government owned Crown Research
  Institute - formed in 1992
• Follows a company model with an independent Board
  of Directors and CEO required to make a return
  on equity
• Leading provider of forensic science services
• Independent of police
• Operates the New Zealand DNA Profile Databank on
  behalf of NZ Police

3
A Global Perspective

• 40 countries have a DNA Databank
• Legislation is country specific
• Significant variation
• Who provides a sample
• Is the sample retained
• Can the profile be removed
• Interpol DNA Database and Gateway allows for data
  sharing between countries (legislative dependent)

4
NZ Situation

• Part 3, Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples)
  Act, 1995 gt CI(BS) Act
• Samples are
• Volunteered
• Compelled from individuals convicted of a
  serious offence
• Destroyed after a DNA profile is obtained
• Profile can be removed if consent is withdrawn or
  conviction is cleared
• DNA link report is not admissible in court
  proceedings
• Further suspect reference sample required

5
Types of Crimes Involved in Links
6
Case example

• Homicide
• Female murdered in her home in Auckland
• Little evidence at scene - shoeprints
• DNA detected under the fingernails of the
  deceased
• DNA profile loaded to Crime Sample Database
• Linked to an individual
• Guilty verdict

7
Case example

• Homicide
• Female murdered in 1987
• Fingernail scrapings from victim reanalysed in
  2002
• Male DNA profile obtained and loaded to the CSD
• In 2003 a male supplied a DNA Databank sample
• DNA link to the fingernail samples
• Suspect pled guilty to the murder charge

8
DNA Databank recent developments

• DNA elimination samples from crime investigators
• Familial DNA
• DNA sampling and age of donor

9
The New Zealand DNA Profile Databank

• Dr Jill Vintiner - Forensic Programme Manager,
• Institute of Environmental Science and Research
• Inspector John Walker - National Forensic
  Services Adviser,
• NZ Police