Last week I received a letter such as none I have ever received before.
It was signed by the Minister of Police and confirmed my appointment as a Member and Deputy Chairperson of the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board. This part time appointment will run for the next five years.
The reason I am so excited about this appointment is because key to the successful implementation of the DNA Act, is the establishment of this Oversight Board which will provide ethical oversight over the National DNA database and handle complaints relating to the taking, retention and use of DNA samples and forensic DNA profiles. Comprising of ten members, half of which have been chosen from outside of the Government sector, this Oversight Board’s core functions will include monitoring the implementation of the provisions of the DNA Act and making proposals to the Minister for any improvements regarding the overall operations of the database.
Looking at countries around the world which have introduced DNA legislation in the past, they have all done so under the guidance of some form of Oversight Board in response to meeting the commitments imposed upon it by any new DNA legislation. An oversight body furthermore creates accountability and functions as a watchdog not only to ensure ethical compliance with the provisions of the Act but compliance with the time frames within which forensic DNA profiles should be analysed and loaded onto the DNA Database. The purpose of a DNA Database is to load as many arrestee and convicted offender profiles onto the Database, and this important expansion process needs to be closely monitored.
I for one feel honoured to have been tasked with this important role and have notified the Minister that I gladly and willingly accept the appointment and look forward to the important work ahead in helping ensure that the DNA Act is properly and optimally implemented. I do and have always believed that the DNA Act will have a profound effect on crime resolution in South Africa and am delighted to be have been chosen so that I can continue to be part of this process.
The Act states that the first meeting of the Oversight Board has to be held within 30 days of the Act having been declared operational, which is 30 days from the 31st January 2015: namely on or before 2nd March 2015. I am ready as ever and look forward to meeting my new colleagues and hope they are as eager as I am to finally help translate the pages of this Act into real crime resolution.
In the meantime, the work of The DNA Project remains as important as ever — we need to continue to create awareness around crime scene preservation. When a crime scene is not disturbed, forensic evidence has the power to determine exactly what happened and who committed the crime. Disturb the crime scene, and we lose that opportunity forever and no legislation nor Oversight Board, however good, can change that.
Vanessa Lynch
Well done! I wish you the best in your work. Who are the other members of the Board?
Congratulations Vanessa! I know how very hard you have worked to get to this point,
Awesome news…. your dedication and commitment over the passed few years will have a hugh long term benefits to all South Africans in the years to come. You have earned that position and are the best person for important task . Thank you ,you are a true South African super hero !