Police to use online DNA database

TOKYO, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Japan's National Police Agency Friday began using an online database of DNA data obtained at crime scenes to help identify suspects.

DNA information extracted from samples of blood and bodily fluids will be compared by computer with trace evidence collected from other crime scenes to determine if certain crimes are connected. The data also will be compared with DNA taken from a suspect, reported Yomiuri Shimbun Friday.

The new database will enable the police to almost instantly ascertain if there is a connection between a series of serious crimes or similar crimes that were perpetrated in one or more prefectures.

The police agency, which previously destroyed samples after investigations due to privacy concerns, now hopes the database will serve as a deterrent to prevent crime.

Also the agency intends to build up the database of suspects' DNA, since such information could replace fingerprints in identifying suspects in criminal cases.