Police begin collecting DNA records under 2022 law; over one lakh profiles generated, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Police in several States have initiated the collection of DNA records, photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans under the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022.
• Over one lakh DNA profiles have been generated and stored in a central database managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) within the last five months.
• The collected identification data, including biological samples, can be securely retained for a period of up to 75 years.
• More than 2,600 measurement collection units have been established nationwide to facilitate the implementation of the CrPI system.
• The system integrates with the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), launched by NCRB in 2022, which already holds over 1.27 crore fingerprint records.

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Detailed Insights:

• The CrPI Act, 2022 grants police and prison officers the authority to collect physical and biological samples from individuals who are arrested or convicted.
• The central database, operated by the NCRB under the Union Home Ministry, ensures a national platform for integrating and utilizing identification-related data.
• Currently, samples are primarily collected in cases where the offense is punishable by seven years or more, with DNA mostly drawn from blood or saliva.
• NAFIS has significantly contributed to solving numerous old inter-State criminal cases by automating the fingerprint matching process.
• The CrPI system enables instant matching of crime scene photos with national records and incorporates an advanced video analytics feature for analyzing CCTV footage.
• This initiative aims to enhance accurate and scientific identification, particularly for habitual offenders, by allowing direct matching of biological samples recovered from crime scenes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 (CrPI Act): A law empowering law enforcement agencies to collect, store, and analyze biometric and biological samples of arrested and convicted persons.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): A government agency under the Union Home Ministry responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing crime data and criminal statistics.
• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS): A centralized digital database for fingerprints, designed to automate and expedite the process of fingerprint matching across India.