DNA
Genetic material used to identify persons in Danish criminal investigations.
DNA is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid and denotes the genetic material found in the body's cells. In a legal context, DNA is used primarily as a basis for identifying persons in connection with investigations and criminal cases. Under Danish law, the use of DNA is regulated by the Act on the Central DNA Profile Register (lov om Det Centrale Dna-profilregister). The act defines DNA as deoxyribonucleic acid and lays down the rules for how the police may collect, analyse and register DNA profiles. It is important to note that the rules do not concern the entire genetic material, but exclusively those parts of the DNA that are relevant for identifying individuals.
A DNA profile consists of selected, non-coding parts of the DNA, which do not reveal information about a person's health, appearance or other personal characteristics, but which are unique to the individual. This makes DNA profiles an effective tool in criminal investigation, where biological traces from crime scenes can be compared with profiles in the register.
The DNA profile register functions as a criminal-procedural and registration-law instrument that can help both to identify perpetrators and to exonerate the innocent. The register is administered by the Danish National Police (Rigspolitiet) and is subject to strict rules on data protection and deletion of profiles. The use of DNA in criminal proceedings is regulated out of regard for both effective crime control and the protection of citizens' personal integrity. Requirements of proportionality therefore apply as to when DNA may be taken and how long profiles may be stored in the register.
