Public Perspectives on Risks and Benefits of Forensic DNA Databases

Machado, Helena; Silva, Susana

doi:10.1177/0270467615616297

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Most quantitative studies were conducted in European countries—Spain [51, 52], Portugal [11, 55], Switzerland [56], Serbia [47], Italy [57]—and the remaining derived from the USA [43, 50] and New Zealand [53, 54]. The studies were published between 2001 [50] and 2018 [43].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• More educated: less likely to agree that forensic DNA database can influence in developing swifter and more accurate justice [55]…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• Older: increased concerns over the risk of possible uses of the genetic material for purposes other than criminal investigation [55]…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• Youngest: more likely to select stigmatization and discrimination as risks, while devaluing lack of security and control [55]…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What influences public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field? A scoping review of quantitative evidence

Machado

Silva

2019

Hum Genomics

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Background Forensic DNA testing is a powerful tool used to identify, convict, and exonerate individuals charged of criminal offenses, but there are different views on its benefits and risks. Knowledge about public views on forensic DNA testing applied in the criminal field is socially valuable to practitioners and policymakers. This paper aims to synthesize quantitative evidence about the factors that influence public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field. Based on a systematic search conducted in January 2019, a scoping review was performed, targeting studies presenting original empirical data that were indexed in Web of Science and PubMed. The two authors performed eligibility and data extraction. Results The 11 studies were conducted mainly in European countries (Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland) and the remaining derived from the USA and New Zealand. Non-representative samples were mostly used to explore the benefits and risks of criminal DNA databases, criteria for insertion and retention of DNA samples and profiles, knowledge, willingness to donate a DNA sample, and custody. The value of forensic DNA databases in protecting society from crime was emphasized. Concerns about improper access to forensic genetic data and risks to civil liberties associated with its uses were expressed. The scarce literature on Forensic DNA Phenotyping and familial searching revealed the same trend of positively valuing forensic DNA testing. Only factors related with socioeconomic position were assessed by more than two studies. Results suggested that public views on forensic DNA testing are influenced by the level of education, age, and exposure to law enforcement occupations although not in a straightforward manner. Conclusion Further empirical research should assess standardized factors related with social and structural levels (e.g., scientific literacy, public trust in the justice system and concerns about victimization or police activity) and be performed in different national jurisdictions to enable generalization and comparison of findings. It is needed to expand empirical studies on public views about the commercialization of forensic science and the use of recent controversial techniques and new transparency and accountability models.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• More educated: less likely to agree that forensic DNA database can influence in developing swifter and more accurate justice [55]…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What influences public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field? A scoping review of quantitative evidence

Machado

Silva

2019

Hum Genomics

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“…This is in line with research by Wilson-Kovacs, Wyatt & Hauskeller [58], who compared different uses of genetic technologies and found that forensic DNA was the least problematic of genetic applications in the UK. Also, some scholars found wide support for a National Forensic DNA Database in England, Wales, Spain and Portugal [31,59,60].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Support for the Forensic DNA Database and Public Safety Concerns: An Exploratory Study

Pivetti¹,

Caggiano²,

Cieri³

et al. 2017

TOPSYJ

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Background:Over the past few decades, 32 European countries have introduced a national DNA database containing samples and/or profiles from suspected/convicted criminal offenders and biological materials from crime scenes. However, only a few studies have empirically investigated opinions on such a practice and the psychosocial factors possibly predicting public support or opposition. Objective:This study aims to preliminarily explore public support for a national DNA database in Italy. In particular, the role played by psychosocial factors, such as concern over individual rights vs. public safety, as well as genetic and juridical/legal literacy in the public's acceptance of a forensic DNA database, was investigated. Method:Within a correlational study, a written questionnaire was administered to a sample (N = 242) of university students. Results:Participants generally showed support for a forensic DNA database. Concerns over public safety predicted the acceptance of a DNA database, with those valuing public safety being more supportive of its implementation, whereas no role was played by familiarity with the fundamental mechanisms of genetics and with the Italian Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. Conclusion:Empirical research on this issue could provide policymakers and the police force with a better picture of the psychosocial factors underlying public support for the DNA database.

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DNA Databases and Big Data

Machado

Granja

2020

Forensic Genetics in the Governance of Crime

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Criminal DNA databases are expanding in different regions of the world to support the activities of the criminal justice system. The use of techniques that combine different sources of digital information for preventing and anticipating the risk of crime (one of the potential uses of so-called Big Data) is increasingly seen as a promising strategy to govern crime. This chapter provides an overview of the development of technological systems orientated towards genetic surveillance of criminalized populations. It also outlines a comprehensive mapping of the main ethical, social and political challenges related to the growing uses of DNA databases and Big Data at a global scale.

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Public Perspectives on Risks and Benefits of Forensic DNA Databases

Cited by 9 publications

References 36 publications

What influences public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field? A scoping review of quantitative evidence

What influences public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field? A scoping review of quantitative evidence

Support for the Forensic DNA Database and Public Safety Concerns: An Exploratory Study

DNA Databases and Big Data

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