Interpol urges exchange of DNA profiles

LYON, France, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The annual Interpol DNA Users' Conference in France is set to focus on the effective use of DNA technology for the benefit of day-to-day police investigations.

The 5th annual Interpol International DNA Users' Conference, which began in Lyon Wednesday, called for increased sharing internationally of DNA profiles in an effort to more effectively use the technology to benefit investigations, Interpol reported.

Delegates from 50 countries convened for the three-day conference with around 120 professionals in attendance.

Emphasizing Interpol's commitment to forensic technology, Interpol Secretary-General Ronald K. Noble urged delegates to adopt measures for sharing DNA profiles of non-nationals arrested with Interpol.

"I believe that, if applied systematically, this will have a significant positive impact in clearing major unsolved investigations," Noble said in a statement.

"Interpol's DNA profile database was created in 2003 and currently contains 71,300 profiles contributed by 46 countries. It is the world's only global DNA database that facilitates the sharing and comparison of profiles among all Interpol's 186 member countries," the release said.

Keynote speaker John Dickinson also highlighted the potential value of better exchange of DNA profiles across international boundaries.

"A structured international exchange of DNA data -- such as is now possible through the Interpol DNA Gateway -- is very important, and time is of the essence to maximize the potential of the database to crucially help save lives," Dickinson said.