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Genetics and Forensics: Making the National DNA Database.

Paul Johnson1, Robin Williams, Paul Martin

  • 1Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Durham, P.J.Johnson@durham.ac.uk , Robin.Williams@durham.ac.uk.

Science Studies (Helsinki, Finland)
|February 10, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Police increasingly use molecular biology for suspect identification, exemplified by the UK National DNA Database (NDNAD). This study examines the NDNAD

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Sociology of Science
  • Criminology

Background:

  • Growing reliance on molecular biology in law enforcement for criminal investigations.
  • The UK National DNA Database (NDNAD) represents a significant development in the 'scientification of police work'.
  • The NDNAD is the world's first national DNA database, owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the socio-technical innovation of the National DNA Database.
  • To explore the historical development of the NDNAD.
  • To understand the factors contributing to the diverse applications of the database.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the development of DNA profiling techniques.
  • Examination of the establishment and growth of the NDNAD.
  • Framework for analyzing socio-technical innovations in policing.

Main Results:

  • The NDNAD contains over 2 million genetic profiles.
  • Police use of molecular biology has a recursive effect on scientific and technological development in policing.
  • Changes in scientific, governmental, and policing contexts have shaped the NDNAD's uses.

Conclusions:

  • The NDNAD exemplifies the increasing integration of science into police work.
  • The database's evolution is a product of interconnected scientific, governmental, and policing advancements.
  • Understanding the NDNAD's history is crucial for comprehending its current and future applications.

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