1. Understand the National DNA Offenders Data Bank

The National DNA Data Bank keeps records of DNA samples from crime scenes and people convicted of a crime.

Solving crimes

This information helps the police solve crimes by:

• showing related crimes that don't yet have suspects
• identifying a suspect based on their DNA
• proving a suspect could not have committed a crime because their DNA doesn't match the DNA at the crime scene
• showing whether a person has committed a crime before

Data bank catalogues

The National DNA Data Bank contains two main catalogues:

• Convicted Offender Index
• Crime Scene Index

The Convicted Offender Index includes DNA profiles from people convicted of the primary and secondary offences listed in section 487.04 of the Criminal Code.

The Crime Scene Index includes DNA profiles from crime scenes involving the primary and secondary offences listed in section 487.04 of the Criminal Code.

Primary designated offences include:

• sexual assault
• serious assaults
• robbery

Secondary designated offences include:

• assault
• uttering threats
• serious drug-related offences