Fast ID-line
What task is being performed?
The Fast Identification (ID) line is a rapid process set up for conducting DNA analysis in criminal cases. After submitting a sample from a trace to the NFI, the police and the Public Prosecution Service typically know within three working days whether there is a match with the DNA profile of a suspect in a criminal case or with a person in the DNA database.
Why is an algorithm used?
The NFI, as the first forensic institute in the world, has developed software to automate the process from biological trace to DNA reporting. Until now, there were always manual steps in the process. By conducting the analysis quickly and automatically, a DNA profile can be derived from a trace at a crime scene. This DNA profile can then be automatically compared with individuals known in the case or those listed in the DNA database. As a result, targeted identification of potential individuals involved can begin more quickly. Knowing who a potential suspect is – or isn’t – faster can impact tactical decisions in the investigation, leading to a faster and more efficient investigation and quicker apprehension of suspects.
The Fast ID line consists of a series of software components that are also part of the manual DNA research process. It is an automation process that does not involve artificial intelligence. The process includes analyzing a DNA profile from a provided trace and comparing the DNA profile with profiles of individuals within the case or those in the DNA database, as well as automatically generating and sending a report with the results. The entire process is monitored by humans. The automated steps follow rules that were established after thorough research and validation of both the individual software components and the entire process. The police and Public Prosecution Service (OM) receive the data and combine it with other information from the case. The Fast ID line process has also been successfully tested in the criminal justice chain (with OM and police) in the Rotterdam region. Other districts in the Rotterdam region have since been connected, and the Fast ID line process is now being made available to other police and OM regions.
The data used comes from a found trace. A DNA profile is created from this trace. This profile is then compared with the DNA profiles of individuals in the case and/or in the DNA database to determine if there is a matching DNA profile, and if so, whose it is. If you are not involved in the specific case, or if your DNA material has not been collected or added to the DNA database, then no data about you is known, and it cannot be used.
Although the entire process involved in the Fast ID line is automated, experts from the NFI monitor the process. If necessary, they intervene. You can compare it to the autopilot in an airplane. The pilot/expert receives all the necessary information and remains ultimately responsible for the process. This is the same for the Fast ID line. After the automated report is sent to the police and OM, the result is also reviewed and assessed by them. Based on this, the information can be used in making tactical decisions. For example, fleeting data such as CCTV footage and cell tower data can be requested more specifically if you know earlier who you might be looking for.
Before the Fast ID line was implemented, extensive research was conducted using test data and thorough monitoring during a trial period of eight months. Only data that may be involved in the criminal process is available for the Fast ID line, just as in the standard DNA research process. Only when a match is found with an individual does the personal data of the person from whom the trace may originate become known. This data, as usual, is only available to those involved in criminal investigation and prosecution.
If you have questions about the application of this algorithm, or about algorithms in general, please contact the NFI via the general contact form.
Journalists with questions about the application of this algorithm can contact the NFI press officers.
The application of this algorithm is based on the Dutch Code of Criminal Procedure.