The Royal Gibraltar Police, together with Cellmark Forensic Services in the UK, have established the provision and maintenance of a DNA Database, to complement their existing forensic DNA services.

In a statement, the RGP explain they are doing this in pursuance of its ongoing commitment to improve the quality of service to its officers and the community they serve.

DNA samples are already taken from individuals suspected to have been involved in crime and where crime scene samples had been obtained. However with the introduction of a dedicated DNA database individuals taken into Police custody for crime related matters will be subjected to DNA sampling for DNA profiling and testing against crime/victim samples, as is already the case with fingerprinting. The legislation to support this has been in place since the enacting of the CPEA [2011].

This DNA sampling and profiling is a major investigative tool which has been in use by the RGP for a great many years, however, the introduction of the dedicated Gibraltar database will greatly assist in the fight against crime.

This is the latest addition to ongoing improvement and acquisition of the equipment and technical resources available to the RGP.

"Only recently we have seen the introduction of roadside breath test and roadside drug testing. Traffic officers have been equipment with portable decibel meters to carryout roadside testing of vehicle exhaust levels.

Last year the RGP, conscious of the need to respond and protect its officers from evolving risks and threats, introduced the use of the Capture II incapacitant spray as an addition to the issued baton. The incapacitant spray not only extends the officers’ safety space in relation to that afforded by a baton, it has already proven effective in reducing the risk of potential physical injury to aggressors and officers alike arising from the use of the baton."