Organizations.DNA Databases: Crime-Fighting Weapon or Threat to Privacy - Essay Example

Organizations—DNA Databases: Crime-Fighting Weapon or Threat to Privacy? What are the benefits of DNA databases? What problems do DNA databases pose? DNA databases create a great impact on control and investigation of the crime (Gamero et al., 2008). Searching the culprit through the investigation of the crime scene whenever there are evidences left can be reliably fast using the full profile in DNA database (Hicks et al., 2010). This ensures fast investigation of the crime. In this case, DNA databases prove to be an essential benefit brought by advancement of technology.

In particular, there may be some cases that the crime scene has been left with crime stain. In particular cases, it is most likely that closer relatives share closer DNA. This implies that the culprit may be just a close relative. However, in some cases where the whole crime is planned, there can be no assurance that indeed closer relatives are considered to be the culprit of the felony. In this case, more thorough investigations are necessary and protection of the suspects should be ensured in the midst of the inspection process.

By not doing this, there can be ethical and social consequences regarding the use of DNA databases (Gamero et al., 2008). One specific issue results to finding out the appropriate institution that should take control of the biological samples and DNA profiles in order to protect individual privacy. For instance, this may involve some important concerns about those cases which have planted evidence. Thus, there is a great effort that population should exert in order to generate trust and ensure elimination of human right violation.

Aside from this, DNA database is still faced with the issue of sensitivity, robustness, and efficacy with cost efficiency. How really effective and accurate it is still remains to be one of the most important concerns of the people. Who should be included in a national DNA database? Should one be limited to convicted felons? Explain your answer. Everyone should be included in a national DNA database because in the event of a crime particularly in its investigation, everyone capable of felony can be the culprit.

However, convicted felons should necessarily be part of the DNA database. This is a way of tracing convicted felons to be primary suspects. In the first place, convicted felons are most likely to commit crimes (Sorensen & Davis, 2011). However, this does not mean that those who do not commit crime yet are exempted from the investigation process. Every crime stain should be placed in the DNA database and this would mean creating a profile for suspects in the database just even prior to their arrest.

Based on USA.gov (2011), the following are information on how CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) works, how it is designed what it maintains and who are allowed to use it. How does CODIS work? How is it designed? CODIS is designed by integrating information it contained with local, State and national databases. It works by linking crime scene evidence to known convicted offenders and other related information. What information does CODIS maintain? CODIS is a computer software program and it maintains information about DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crimes and missing person.

Who is allowed to use CODIS? Those who are allowed to use CODIS are designated personnel of the State, local and national law enforcement. How does CODIS aid criminal investigations? By tracing the culprit through systematic matching of crime stain using CODIS, criminal investigations have become easier at certain level. References Gamero, J. J., Romero, J. L., Peralta, J. L., Real, F. C., Guillen, M., & Anjos, M. J. (2008). A study of Spanish attitudes regarding the custody and use of forensic DNA databases.

Forensic Science International: Genetics. 2, 138-149. Hicks, T., Taroni, F., Curran, J., Buckleton, J., Castella, V., & Ribaux, O. (2010). Use of DNA profiles for investigation using a simulated national DNA database: Part II. Statistical and ethical considerations on familial searching. Forensic Science International: Genetics. 4, 316-322. Sorensen, J., & Davis, J. (2011). Violent criminals locked up: Examining the effect of incarceration on behavioral continuity. Journal of Criminal Justice.

39, 151-158. USA.gov (2011). What is Codis. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://www.dna.gov/solving-crimes/cold-cases/howdatabasesaid/codis/