DNA fingerprinting

Deoxyribonucliec acid is the main content of the chromosome of all organism and is found in the form of double helix within the nucleus of every somatic cell.Consequently a smaal sample of human body cells can be decoded to reveal a pattern that is shared only by a genetically identical twin.The dna of each individual does not change during his lifetime.This technique is commonly used in police investigation and is termed as DNA fingerprinting .At present the police can remove sample of DNA from individual suspected of involvement in a specified crime commonly by the removal of cell from the mouth using a cheek swab..The DNAof the suspect can then be compared to any genetic material found at the scene of crime.The creation of a database of DNA would allow police to use DNA in order to search for a suspectrather than merelyto provide evidence once a suspect has been apprehended
The British police have operated a database of the DNA of convicted criminals since 1995.The proposition in this debate may choose at their discretion the section of the population whose DNA would be kept on the database. Considering that the most striking arguments on both sides of the debate involve civil liberties, it is suggested that a bold proposition be developed. The model might include the sampling of DNA from every member of the population. New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has proposed that a DNA sample be taken from every newborn. However, it would be possible to require that the database contains only the DNA fingerprint of persons arrested or even only the profiles of convicted criminals.

PROS-:DNA fingerprinting has considerable advantages over conventional means of forensic crime detection. Conventional fingerprints attach only to hard surfaces, can be smeared, or avoided by the use of gloves. Even a clear print requires a significant degree of interpretation by investigating officers. The standard technique of comparing fourteen points between the print taken at the crime scene and the print of the accused has been subject to severe criticism. The novel ‘polymerase chain reaction’ (PCR) amplification technique facilitates an accurate DNA profile from very small amounts of genetic data.The fingerprint can be constructed notwithstanding contamination from oil, water or acid in the crime scene environment.The innocent and the accused should appreciate a novel fingerprinting technique that is both objective and accurate.
CONS-:Although DNA detection might have advantages over fingerprint dusting, the test is nevertheless fallible. Environmental factors at the crime scene such as heat, sunlight, or bacteria can corrupt any genetic data. Any DNA evidence must be stored in sterile and temperature controlled conditions. Criminals have been suspected of contaminating samples by swapping saliva.There is room for human error or fraud in comparing samples taken from suspects with those removed from a crime scene. The accuracy of any genetic profile is dependent upon the number of genes examined. Where less than four or five genes can be investigated, the PCR technique serves only to exaggerate any defects or omissions in the sample. In 1995 an 18 month investigation was launched into allegations that the FBI Crime Lab was ‘drylabbing’ or faking results of DNA comparisons.Even a complete DNA profile cannot indicate the length of time a suspect was present at a crime scene or the date in question. The mere creation of a database cannot be the panacea for crime detection.