DNA drill: SOCOs collect DNA from the 'crime scene' during the exercise at DTS

"We had all the experts there to ensure DNA evidence was properly collected and handled, and that procedures and laws were properly followed"

Measures using new DNA sampling powers have already proven fruitful with the successful arrest and positive identification of a "rapist".

More than 60 officers participated in a mock rape case at the Detective Training School on June 15, in a final test before the July 1 implementation of legislation empowering officers to take non-intimate DNA samples from serious-crime suspects.

Some 38 of the Force's new troop of Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) participated in the exercise, along with DTS students, case officers and two Government Laboratory scientists.

Crime Wing Headquarters Chief Inspector William Ho Siu-ting said the scenario involved a girl being lured to a man's flat and passing out after consuming a tainted drink.

"The 'victim' awoke to find she had been sexually assaulted and made a report to Police. At the scene, officers found a condom used in the 'rape' and drug traces in the drink. They later took a swab from the suspect's mouth and it matched the DNA taken from the 'semen' found in the condom," he said, adding that roles taken in the exercise included DTS students playing exhibit and case officers, SOCOs and Government scientists playing themselves and CIP Ho himself playing the suspect.

"We had all the experts there to ensure DNA evidence was properly collected and handled, and that procedures and laws were properly followed. The exercise was very successful, assuring us that our system was working well and was ready for July 1. It also gave the officers involved some great experience miles which will ensure their preparation too for the new law."

Assistant Commissioner Crime Peter Yam Tat-wing later presented graduation certificates to the SOCOs at a ceremony in the Senior Officers' Mess in Police Headquarters on June 29.



<< Back to Index >>