DNA solves more crimes

DNA evidence has been a factor in three out of five recent crimes where a suspect was identified.

Police now have more than 100,000 DNA profiles on their database as forensic technology links more offenders to crime scenes than ever.

Latest figures show DNA evidence linking people to crime scenes has been a contributing factor in 58 per cent of cases where there has been an arrest or report so far this financial year. This is an increase of 6 per cent, compared with 2011-12 and up 27 per cent on 2009-10.

Since it began in 1999, the Forensic Science SA DNA database has grown to 103,682 profiles.

Police use a mouth swab to collect DNA samples from any person suspected of committing a serious offence - in accordance with the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act - which can then be matched against DNA retrieved from crime scenes.

DNA Management Section Senior Sergeant Philip Hanley said technological advancements, including portable fingerprint scanners providing immediate identification of a person who has been previously fingerprinted, would help police identify more offenders.

The scanners will be trialled by police in mid-2013.

"The ability of DNA to identify and/or eliminate suspects, link multiple crime scenes and assist with the identification of injured or deceased persons has made it an invaluable resource for law enforcement agencies across the world," he said.

In February, police used DNA to charge a man over the cold case murder of Yasmin Sinodinos at Anstey Hill in December 1991.

Timo Pasanen, 43, was arrested after his DNA was allegedly matched to some collected from Ms Sinodinos' body 22 years ago.

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DNA solves more crimes