Reports to note: Latest BOCSAR research on DNA testing of prisoners

12/03/2009

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has released a new report: [_Assessing the Impact of Mandatory DNA Testing of Prison Inmates in NSW on Clearance, Charge and Conviction Rates for Selected Crime Categories.

_]1The specific questions addressed in the study were as follows:

1. Has the introduction of DNA testing increased the crime clear up rate and, if so, which crime categories clear-up rates have increased? 2. Has the introduction of DNA testing increased the ratio of charges laid to crimes reported and, if so, for which categories of crime? 3. Has DNA testing increased the proportion of charges laid that result in convictions and, if so, for which categories of crime?

The research suggests that clear up and charge rates for a number of serious offences improved after the enactment of laws permitting mandatory DNA testing of NSW prison inmates. No improvement was observed, however, in the conviction rate at court. View the report >

**12 March 2009 **