❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks data on the time taken for sexual assault DNA testing, including averages, maximums, pending cases, and peak backlog. The response indicates PathWest cannot provide the requested data due to limitations in their data collection practices.
AnsweredQoN 1242Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) what is the average time taken to conduct such tests for sexual assaults cases, from the collection of the sample to the return of results; (c) what is the longest time that such a test has taken? (d) what is the longest time that such a test has taken for cases of sexual assault; (e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(c) what is the longest time that such a test has taken? (d) what is the longest time that such a test has taken for cases of sexual assault; (e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(d) what is the longest time that such a test has taken for cases of sexual assault; (e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
PathWest receives cases from the Western Australia Police (DNA Exhibit and Coordination Unit) (DECU) that have been categorised into three areas, Major crime, Volume (Property) Crime, and Intelligence work. Sexual assault and Homicide offences are classified as major crime and given priority. Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case. Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case. Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
(c) what is the longest time that such a test has taken? (d) what is the longest time that such a test has taken for cases of sexual assault; (e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(d) what is the longest time that such a test has taken for cases of sexual assault; (e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(e) how many such tests for sexual assault cases are currently pending completion; and (f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
(f) what is the most number of tests for sexual assault cases that have been pending at any one time?
PathWest receives cases from the Western Australia Police (DNA Exhibit and Coordination Unit) (DECU) that have been categorised into three areas, Major crime, Volume (Property) Crime, and Intelligence work. Sexual assault and Homicide offences are classified as major crime and given priority. Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case. Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case. Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police. Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that: 1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or 2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or 3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or 4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person. In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court. In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report. In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an Intelligence Report . On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority. In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
29 June 2006
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
9 days
(a) - (f) PathWest is unable to answer these questions as the time the WA Police collect samples is not recorded by PathWest nor is the date and time the results are communicated to the WA Police readily accessible via a computer system.
PathWest receives cases from the Western Australia Police (DNA Exhibit and Coordination Unit) (DECU) that have been categorised into three areas, Major crime, Volume (Property) Crime, and Intelligence work. Sexual assault and Homicide offences are classified as major crime and given priority.
Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case.
Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police.
Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that:
1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or
2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or
3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or
4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person.
In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court.
In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report.
In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an
Intelligence Report
. On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority.
In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
PathWest receives cases from the Western Australia Police (DNA Exhibit and Coordination Unit) (DECU) that have been categorised into three areas, Major crime, Volume (Property) Crime, and Intelligence work. Sexual assault and Homicide offences are classified as major crime and given priority.
Items from sexual assault offences that are deemed urgent by the Police are analysed by PathWest as a matter of urgency. Results from such cases can be available in a few days while results, from more complex cases, may take longer. The availability of results that can be acted upon by the Police is dependent upon the complexity of the individual case.
Sexual assault offences fall into several types dependent on whether the offender is known or able to be identified by the victim. Individual circumstances will determine whether the WA Police send exhibits to PathWest for DNA analysis and the priority set by the WA Police.
Results conveyed to WA Police or DPP may indicate that:
1) No DNA was found on the items submitted; or
2) There was DNA found but it was not linked to any known person; or
3) There was DNA found and it was linked to another crime scene but it was not able to be linked to a known person; or
4) There was DNA found and it matched a known person.
In the case of scenario 1, the case is only closed after consultations with the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions who may still require a full report, and evidence to be given in court.
In the case of scenarios 2 and 3, the case remains open and pending until such time as there is fresh intelligence and a match is made on the database, or the case solved by alternative means. This could be days, months or years later. The WA DNA Database is interrogated twice a week for all cases falling into these categories and in the event of a link being made, the Western Australian Police are notified by an Intelligence Report.
In the case of scenarios 3 and 4, the WA Police are advised of the details of the link via an
Intelligence Report
. On average, this takes somewhere between 20 - 30 calendar days from the time the DNA database link is made, although links involving major crime cases are reported as a priority.
In the case of scenario 4, if the offender was previously unknown, the WA Police will interview the identified person and collect an "evidentiary reference" DNA sample as necessary and forward to PathWest to confirm the original findings. This is done as a matter of priority. A formal court report is then issued, if required.
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