Victims Using DNA Forensics Proactively

Posted by Osagie Obasogie September 30, 2010
Biopolitical Times

DNA typing has been used for several years to track down culprits that leave behind biological materials at crime scenes. Typically, crime scene investigators search for unidentified evidence containing genetic information (hair, blood, etc.) If found, they then compare it to a suspect's genetic profile or check it against a DNA database. However, high-risk victims are becoming increasingly proactive in providing DNA evidence that may assist law enforcement.  

For example, bus drivers in Cardiff (UK) have been the victims of over 300 attacks over the last five years, including several instances of being spat upon.  To counteract this trend, the drivers are being given spit kits. In the event that they are spat on, they can swab the saliva and call the police, who will then use the sample to pursue the perpetrator.

In a similar vein, Texas officials have set up a new DNA database for “high-risk potential victims,” namely prostitutes. As part of its Prostitute Diversion Program, prostitutes can submit DNA samples to law enforcement. The idea is that in the event that they are murdered or rendered comatose, the sample can help identify them. Over 135 women have entered the program since 2007. One Dallas police officer noted

It gives value to their life, it gives emotional resolution to their family and allows law enforcement to advocate for them in the event that they do become a victim of violent crime.

The program is largely focused on helping prostitutes rehabilitate and find alternative lines of work. Participants are given the option to submit DNA samples after entering the program. But recidivism is high, as well as the danger inherent in this line of work.

This leads many prostitutes to take a pragmatic approach. As one woman told the Dallas Morning News, “If something was to happen to me, I would want someone to know who I was. I don't want to be the one with the toe tag on that says Jane Doe."

Submitting DNA to law enforcement to provide closure to one’s family in the event of a tragedy seems morbid to most. But it is all too understandable given the risks.

It’s hard to come to any hard and fast conclusions about any of this. It would be unfortunate if spit collection became public sport, and we all want more for prostitutes than simply a new way to identify them after a tragedy. These programs are worth keeping an eye on as they develop.