A brief history of the formation of DNA databases in forensic science within Europe

The introduction of DNA analysis to forensic science brought with it a numb er of choices for analysis, not all of which were compatible. As laboratori es throughout Europe were eager to use the new technology different systems became routine in different laboratories and consequently, there was no ba sis for the exchange of results. A period of co-operation then starred in w hich a nucleus of forensic scientists agreed on an uniform system. This col laboration spread to incorporate most of the established forensic science l aboratories in Europe and continued through two major changes in the techno logy. At each step agreement was reached on which systems to use. From the beginning it was realised that DNA databases would provide the criminal jus tice systems with an efficient way of crime solving and consequently some l ocal databases were created. It was not until the introduction of the ampli fication technology linked to the analysis of short tandem repeats that a s ufficiently sensitive and robust system was available for the formation of efficient and effective DNA databases. Comprehensive legislation enacted in the UK in 1995 enabled forensic scientists to set up the first national DN A database which would hold both personal DNA profiles together with result s obtained from crime scenes. Other countries quickly followed but in some the legislation has severely restricted the amount and type of data which c an be retained and, therefore, effectiveness of the databases is limited. T he widespread use of commercially produced multiplex kits has produced a si tuation in which nearly all European laboratories are using compatible syst ems and there is, therefore, the potential for the introduction of a pan-Eu ropean DNA database. However. the exchange of results between countries is hampered by the various legislations which currently exist. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.