The impact of the Prüm treaty on the Portuguese forensic DNA database—A brief review

The Treaty of Prum signed on 27 May 2005, by seven Member States of European Union (EU), sought to improve cross-border security cooperation in combating terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal immigration. For this purpose, provisions were set for automated exchanges of data regarding DNA, fingerprints and vehicle registration plates. Later, other Member States expressed their intention to accede to the Prum Convention, including Portugal. Portuguese forensic DNA profiles database was implemented in 2010, although only in 2015 Portugal started the automated DNA data exchange with other countries. From that time until now, it has connected to a large number of countries in order to fulfil the purpose for which it was intended when accessed the Prum Convention, following the guidelines of EU Decision 2008/615/JHA. It is currently exchanging DNA data automatically with 21 Member States. The objective of this work is to describe the evolution of the Portuguese forensic DNA database under Prum Treaty over the past few years, analysing several information such as the number and type of genetic profiles shared, the number of hits that occurred with other countries, as well as other relevant information.