Albanian forensic police trained in DNA database management and consultation

When a crime is committed, it is important to collect DNA samples at the scene and it is also important to take samples from the detainees involved in any criminal act. These samples make it possible to recognise genetic profiles of persons involved in criminal acts and having them in a database makes it possible to recognise these persons internationally. In other words, if a person commits a crime in Albania and is not on file, but goes to Spain and commits another crime, thanks to the fact that his DNA sample was previously in the Albanian database, Spain will know who he is.

The European project EU4FOCAL aims to strengthen the capacities of the staff of the DNA department of the Forensic Institute of the Albanian Police, and to this end, has carried out specific training in the handling, consultation and exchange of DNA profiles with other international agencies. This activity is essential for international police cooperation in order to be able to identify profiles of perpetrators of criminal acts with third countries.

In addition, the project has equipped the DNA department by acquiring capillary and genetic analysis equipment including human identification software. This equipment, together with the training provided by a specialist from the Spanish State Secretariat for Security of the national DNA database (CODIS), has led to the successful identification of several DNA profiles collected at the scene of a recent major crime in Albania and consequently to the arrest of two persons involved in the crime.