Italy to set up DNA databank

The Italian government will explore the idea of setting up a DNA database to fight crime.

The databank will store the DNA data of criminals arrested for violent crimes liable to a prison sentence of three years or more.

After a crime has been committed, the first step for forensic police will be analyzing biological traces. It's possible to extract DNA from many evidence such as a hair or a smoked cigarette or a blood stained object.

Thanks to laser microscopes, scanners and computers, forensic staff can extract DNA from these traces and build a genetic profile of the person who left them.

Alberto Intini, director forensic science police, said, "If, for instance, a woman was raped by an unknown man and there are no witnesses. There's not much chance of solving this kind of crime today. The DNA profile, extracted from the biological trace left by the criminal, and placed in the DNA databank, could give us the name."

Officials estimate the databank will cost at least 11 million Euros. It will give Italian police a better chance of identifying people involved in crimes.

And, considering the high percentage of repeat crimes, DNA traces found at a recent crime scene might also be linked to unsolved crimes.

Italy's Privacy Authority supports the DNA database project, but insists the database should be strictly controlled.