Breaking through forensic boundaries
Forensic science such as fingerprinting, DNA profiling and exchange of data between governments is increasingly proving crucial for advancing safety and security worldwide. The EU-funded project 'Forensic identification frontiers' (Forensicidfrontiers) analysed Australian and European Union elements of forensic identification science, including legal matters, social aspects, political contexts and related policies. It aimed to clarify the challenges in created harmonised data exchange in order to facilitate policymaking and enhance security protocols. The project highlighted ethical, scientific and legal challenges such as legitimacy and acceptance of harmonising bioinformation systems, as well as creating uniform ones in countries with different judicial systems. It looked at how effective police authorities are in controlling forensic identification and policy in the EU, comparing this to the Australian model where policymakers and legal professionals control bioinformation. In general, both models have their limitations and create legal hurdles when it comes to sharing information. While most EU countries are expanding DNA databases, nations have failed to develop sharing protocols, particularly in the case of direct access and exchange of bioinformation beyond jurisdictional boundaries. The project highlights the lack of government or other organisations charged with monitoring international exchange of forensic bioinformation or handling inquiries and complaints. Another issue is the legality of bioinformation evidence from another country and its admissibility in domestic courts, often crucial for criminal convictions. Forensicidfrontiers calls for regulation of forensic identification data and technology to facilitate criminal investigation, crime prevention and immigration control. The project's results, including the valuable cross-comparison between Australia and the EU, are set to contribute to regulating this information and enhancing these issues.
