Modern policing: Drive to collect DNA samples from Feb 15

Police experts will collect samples from convicts, who have served sentences in last five years.

LAHORE: DNA samples of convicts currently serving prison sentences as well as those who have completed their sentences in the last five years across the province will be collected from February 15, The Express Tribune has learnt. 

Investigation SSP Rana Ayyaz Saleem said joint teams of the Punjab Police investigation wing and the Punjab Forensic Sciences Agency (PFSA) have been formed for the purpose in Lahore.

He said DNA samples would be collected and a database of convicts serving their sentences in jails developed.

A PFSA official who requested anonymity said the agency would also organise courses for forensic experts from the investigation wing of the police to train them in collection of DNA samples.

The PFSA has recently acquired a Rs1.5 million software used for DNA sampling and profiling.

The forensics department of the police only has with finger prints’ collection and photography facilities.

SSP Saleem said major improvements should be expected in prevention and investigation of crimes once a DNA database of convicts was available. He said most sexual assault, burglary and robbery cases involved repeat criminals. A senior official at the Central Police Office told The Express Tribune that police were considering a proposal to request the government that collection of DNA samples be made mandatory for everyone applying for a computerised national identity card (CNIC).

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2015.