Building our crime data base

T IS a point of agreement in this diverse and divergent country of ours: the police need all the help they can get in arresting crime. The president says it, his police minister says it, and the police themselves agree.

Police simply cannot go it alone. It is to this end that the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, better known as the DNA Bill, deserves support as it is passed from the cabinet to our lawmakers in Parliament.

Its aim is to assist and expedite justice, creating the framework for building a DNA database for crime intelligence. Police have a fingerprint library, but a limited DNA information bank. This law would significantly enhance data on known criminals, improving police speed and reach.

The cabinet approved the draft law in the belief that use of DNA evidence could alleviate blockages in the criminal justice system. “Maximising the use of DNA evidence promotes fairness, confidence and certainty in the administration of our laws,” it said.

The more we have on convicted criminals, the better. Recidivism in this country makes this imperative. So do serial criminals. Also, crosschecks and confirmation between fingerprints and DNA profiles strengthen prosecutions and reduce the chances of errors.

A DNA forensic database is no magic bullet for crime – police capacity, its possible abuse, and inexpert, clumsy police at crime scenes are among the doubts.

These are not insoluble, however. Training in DNA collection, and preserving crime scenes to this end, are part of the solution. The DNA Project, a pressure group, has been engaged in teaching these skills in the seven or so years that it has been campaigning for the database.

The first clear benefits of a DNA bank will start a momentum towards respect and fresh caution at crime scenes, even among the least sophisticated police. Parliament should pass this law without further delay.

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