Abstract
Forensic DNA expertise is conventionally used to link, within a criminal case, a genetic profile found on a crime scene to the genetic profile of a known individual (for example, a suspect). DNA databases extend that logic across cases. By storing genetic profiles from different cases in such a database we can link cases that concern the same genetic profile (that is, the same individual) with each other. Although these are the two main approaches to exploiting forensic DNA, more forensic intelligence can be derived from databases containing genetic profiles. In this study, we explore the idea that different individuals can be linked to each other because their genetic profiles have been found on the same crime scenes, hereby forming DNA-based networks of individuals. To demonstrate that idea, data from the National DNA database of Belgium is analysed. The findings concern more than 400 networks, characterized in terms of size, geographical locations and types of crime. The potential of this forensic intelligence to support the Belgian judicial authorities and law enforcement in their missions is discussed.
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Acknowledgements
The notion of network of genetic profiles originated from Pierre Van Renterghem, Vanessa Vanvooren and Bertrand Renard. Patrick Jeuniaux was responsible for leading the research, which included developing the concept of network, developing the scripts and conducting the statistical analysis. Vanessa Vanvooren and Leen Duboccage made significant contributions to validate the data and interpret the results. We thank the anonymous reviewers and editors for their time and efforts during the review process, Institut Géographique National (IGN) for providing the map of Belgium in electronic format, and the staff of the NDD for their continuous and dedicated assistance with case, data and IT management. Patrick Jeuniaux benefited from the financial support of the Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme of the Directorate-General Home Affairs of the European Commission through the PIES project ‘The Prüm Implementation, Evaluation, and Strengthening of Forensic DNA Data Exchange’, Project number HOME/2011/ISEC/AG/PRUM/4000002150, Grant agreement number 30-CE-0498536/00-03, The sole responsibility lies with the authors. The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained in this article.
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Jeuniaux, P., Duboccage, L., Renard, B. et al. Establishing networks in a forensic DNA database to gain operational and strategic intelligence. Secur J 29, 584–602 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2015.31
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2015.31