The Belgian DNA-databases: Does the new DNA law meet the expectations of the administrator?1
Since 1999 the use of DNA-analyses in criminal cases is regulated by law. However, it took until the Royal
Decree of 2002 before the law came into force. This law lays the basis for two DNA-databases at the
National Institution for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC): a database “Criminalistics” with profiles
from traces and a database “Convicts” with profiles from persons who were convicted for crimes listed
in the law. The new DNA-law of 7 November 2011 modifies the law of 22 March 1999 to ensure more clarity, automation and align with international obligations. This article considers seven changes made by
this new law that influenced the operation of the DNA-databases. Both legal as practical changes are
being discussed.