DNA Elimination Database Update

Following an email dated 19 January 2010 under the hand of the State Scenes of Crime Coordinator, the QPS has set a deadline of 1 March 2010 for all forensic officers to provide a voluntary sample of their DNA for elimination purposes or face being excluded from duties involved in the collection, examination or sampling of DNA.

The QPUE also understands it is the QPS’ intention to move towards introducing the mandatory provision of DNA samples by all police officers for elimination purposes. This is likely to be through legislative amendment during 2010.

On 21 January 2010 I met with the Superintendent, Forensic Services Branch in relation to QPUE concerns, outstanding correspondence, and possible safeguards relating to the operation and use of an elimination database. That meeting was successful in achieving agreement on a “way forward” for both the QPS and the QPUE in relation to these issues.

While a further meeting, involving the use of DNA experts on behalf of both parties, and further discussions about the actual operation of safeguards is necessary, it is highly likely the QPS and the QPUE will be able to reach agreement on the provision of DNA samples by officers for use on such a database.

Rest assured the QPUE is committed to ensuring through legislative amendments (albeit in the interim through policy) safeguards which will fully protect officers DNA samples and limit the uses such samples can be put to. The QPUE believes legislative safeguards are necessary in order to allow members remedies through the Courts should their rights or privacy be breached as a consequence of the operation of such a database.

I anticipate the further meeting described above will occur in February and agreement will be reached between the QPUE and the QPS prior to 1 March 2010. However, I have today written to the Acting Commissioner outlining the outcomes of today’s meeting with FSB and seeking her approval to extend the deadline if the issues are not resolved in time. I have given the Acting Commissioner my firm assurances the QPUE will not delay this process and desires to work cooperatively with the QPS to achieve an outcome which is acceptable to QPUE members and the QPS.

The QPUE will continue to liaise and consult with concerned members during this process.

Any inquiries relating to the issues I have raised should be directed to DNA@qpu.asn.au

Ian Leavers
General President