1384.6 - Statistics - Tasmania, 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 22/04/2004   
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Forensic Science Service Tasmania (FSST) undertakes DNA profiling in Tasmania for criminal investigative purposes and is also responsible for the maintenance of the Tasmanian DNA Database. The Forensic Procedures Act 2000 provides Tasmania Police with the power to utilise DNA for criminal investigation purposes. DNA comparison in an investigation may:

  • remove a person from suspicion due to the non-matching of that person’s profile to that of a crime scene profile, or conversely confirm suspicion by a match;
  • infer the common involvement of one person in separate crimes by matching profiles from crime scene to crime scene; or
  • confirm the identity of an unknown person or corpse by matching with a known person’s profile.

To ensure individuals’ liberties are protected, safeguards exist within the Forensic Procedures Act (e.g. permissible matching, use of the database, the exchange of information, and retention of information and samples). The complete Act may be viewed on the Tasmanian Consolidated Legislation Online web site at http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au

During the period 1 January to 25 October 2001:
  • 3,404 non-intimate (mouth swabs) samples from suspects, charged persons, prescribed offenders and volunteers were collected by Tasmania Police;
  • 2,405 crime scene items were submitted to FSST for DNA analysis; and
  • 331 samples matched from crime scenes to persons.

Of the 331 matched samples, 74 matches occurred from crime scene to crime scene, 62% were a direct result of matching on the Tasmanian DNA Database and 88% of matches were for burglary, stealing and stolen motor vehicle related offences.

REFERENCES

CrimTrac Strategic Plan 2001-2005 (Unpublished).