‘Back capture’ results in successful DNA hits

The ability to take retrospective DNA samples from imprisoned offenders is translating into significant hits on the National DNA Database for a range of offences.



Although the majority of suspect to crime scene sample hits appear to be generated from dwelling burglary and vehicle theft cases, some are being achieved in instances of serious violence, including sexual assaults and in cases where the offender has already been identified.

Other links have been established in cases where the offender was not previously a suspect or person of interest to the police inquiry.

The Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples) Amendment Act came into force in April 2004 giving police the power to obtain DNA samples from imprisoned burglary suspects, and the ability to obtain a person’s DNA profile through buccal (mouth) swabs. The Act also extended databank provisions to include a broader range of offenders.

As a result, a district-based prison ‘back capture’ process was undertaken by police to obtain samples from eligible offenders, as covered by the amended Act.

As Ten-One went to print, the DNA databank had received 759 samples from the back capture process, of which 671 had been analysed and entered into the National DNA Database.

From those 671 profiles, 87 (or nearly 13 percent) DNA links to crimes have been identified, some of which relate to offences already resolved. The 87 links cover a range of offences spanning: Burglary/vehicle theft – 65 percent; Aggravated Robbery/Assault – 13 percent; Homicide – 8 percent; Sexual assault – 8 percent; Other – 6 percent.