The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Federal Solicitor General Wayne Easter recently highlighted the overwhelming success of the RCMP's National DNA Data Bank. The report, tabled in Parliament, shows the positive impact that the Data Bank has had in linking DNA profiles to crime scenes or convicted offenders in Canada and internationally. Minister Easter said that the DNA Data Bank reached an important milestone last month when it recorded 1,000 matches between DNA profiles of convicted offenders and those of crime scenes. As the Data Bank receives more DNA samples, the number of matches is rising dramatically Ð more DNA samples mean more matches. "The National DNA Data Bank has revolutionized the way police investigate and solve serious crimes in our country," said Minister Easter. "In the last year alone, the Data Bank made 526 matches Ð a three-fold increase over last year Ñ as it continues to provide high quality, cutting edge investigative services to federal, provincial and municipal police across Canada." Launched in June 2000, the Data Bank has provided crucial evidence and helped to solve criminal cases across the country, many involving serious offences such as homicide, sexual assault and armed robbery. The Data Bank is located at RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa and is part of the RCMP's Forensic Laboratory Services.
