Federal Prison in Paraná Begins Collecting DNA for National Database

12/16/2014 - 09h11

Catanduvas federal prison, in the southern state of Paraná, is to create genetic profiles for 62 prisoners convicted of serious crimes such as armed robbery followed by murder, and extortion through kidnapping resulting in death.

This is part of a government plan to create a national database of genetic profiles, with the aim of improving criminal investigations and reducing the level of impunity for violent crime.

The DNA collection - an oral swab taken on a cotton bud - was conducted by the National Institute of Criminalistics.

The request was made by the prison management and authorized by federal judges in Paraná who oversee the sentences of the prisoners in Catanduvas.

The reasoning behind the national database is that many of those convicted for serious crimes may be responsible for other cases which the police have yet to solve.

DNA provides a number of advantages for criminal investigations. As well as being more accurate than fingerprints, it is usually easier to find at the scene of a crime, since strands of here and flakes of skin may be left at the scene involuntarily. Violent criminals know how to ensure they do not leave fingerprints behind.

The genetic profiles will remain secret and will only be used as evidence with the authorization of the courts. The law prohibits the use of DNA for other purposes, such as research into the behavior of prisoners.

The creation of a national database was established by a law passed in 2012. The legislation is virtually the same as that adopted by the United States and 30 other countries that participate in the Combined DNA Index System (Codis).

Prisons in northeastern states such as Ceará and Paraíba have also begun the collection of genetic material for the national database. However, in São Paulo, the Department of Prison Administration and the Department of Security could not say when the program would be implemented.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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