ASEANAPOL Secretariat Supports Webinar on Rapid DNA Technology

On February 6, 2025, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat supported Thermo Fisher Scientific’s initiative to invite forensic professionals and crime laboratory personnel from ASEANAPOL Member Countries to participate in the upcoming "Rapid DNA Webinar 2025," hosted by GTH DNA and DNAforAsia.

Representing the ASEANAPOL Secretariat in this initiative were: Executive Director: Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan; Director of Police Services: Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan; Head of Administration, Technologies, and Staff (HATS): Superintendent Police Siva Perghasum Shanmugam; Deputy Superintendent – Police Services Officer I: Abdul Hamid Abdul Hashim; and Assistant Superintendent – Police Services Officer II: Nithia Perumal.

The webinar featured esteemed speakers from the FBI, FBINAA, and other forensic experts, who discussed a significant rule change that allowed local law enforcement agencies to rapidly analyze crime scene evidence using Rapid DNA technology and match results against the U.S. national criminal DNA database.

Additionally, the session covered: Current applications and successes of Rapid DNA in forensic investigations; Impact on crime victims and how this technology enhances justice delivery; and Global best practices in integrating Rapid DNA into crime-solving efforts. Recognizing the growing importance of forensic science in law enforcement and criminal investigations, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat strongly encouraged forensic experts, crime laboratory personnel, and relevant officers from its member agencies to participate.

Thermo Fisher’s Rapid DNA technology has transformed forensic investigations by delivering a fully automated, real-time DNA analysis system capable of generating CODIS Core STR profiles from a buccal swab in as little as 90 minutes. Built on the RapidHIT System, including the RapidLINK instrument and software, this technology enabled seamless DNA processing, database integration, and real-time suspect identification without human intervention. Often referred to as a "magic box" by law enforcement, it enhanced crime-solving capabilities and investigative efficiency. The FBI's Rapid DNA initiative aimed to integrate these instruments into the CODIS network, allowing law enforcement agencies to search for DNA matches while a suspect remained in custody, significantly strengthening public safety efforts.

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