Troop 17 Scholarship

The RCMP's Troop 17 Scholarship was established in 2017 to recognize students who have made significant efforts toward the prevention of bullying and harassment in their schools and/or communities. Up to five scholarships in the amount of $1000 are awarded annually to full-time college or university students.

2024 recipients

Stephanie Quon

Receiving a Troop 17 Scholarship is an incredible honour. Given that the scholarship is named after the first troop of women to attend the RCMP Academy and be hired as regular members of the RCMP, it is so inspiring to me how women in Troop 17 overcame obstacles to work in a male-dominated career and pave the way for women. Receiving this award inspires me to push forward in my own commitment to advancing gender equity and creating safer spaces for everyone.

Cydney Bradbury

Winning the Troop 17 Scholarship is a tremendous honor, reflecting my passion for fostering inclusivity and building strong communities. This scholarship will allow me to continue my studies at Carleton University, where I hope to contribute to the same efforts in helping my new community. It also supports my larger mission of helping communities globally become more unified and less stigmatized, creating a world where empathy and understanding are at the forefront of every interaction. This award further motivates me to continue my efforts toward making Airdrie, Carleton, and beyond, more welcoming places for all.

Matisse Filotto

It is with great honour that I have been chosen for the Troop 17 Scholarship! I can only hope to continue to thoughtfully help, share, teach, and reflect through a lens during my career as a filmmaker, inspiring other young ambassadors to follow in my footsteps. Allow yourself to learn and grow from those you work with, you'd be surprised with how far an idea and a little courage can get you.

Aidan Gurung

For me, winning this award has reinforced the crucial role of empathy and inclusion in anti-bullying efforts. My advocacy for prioritizing student mental health through social media was driven by a deep commitment to empathy. This work aimed to raise awareness about mental health challenges and offer support to those in need, as well as to those who wish to help others in their community. Additionally, co-founding a menstrual health start-up was driven by the desire to promote inclusion on university campuses. Through this initiative, my team and I are striving to ensure that free period products are available to students on every university campus. Overall, I am deeply grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to continue making a positive impact.

Kirsten Larkin

Winning the RCMP Troop 17 scholarship means the absolute most to me. I have worked so hard to make my school community a better place for everyone no matter what race, gender or ability someone may have. One of my biggest accomplishments in high school was when I was captain of the world's first ever all girls football team. Just like Troop 17, our efforts were really important for the future generation of women. As a team, we were able to give young women an opportunity to showcase their physical toughness and break the stigma of football being a 'boys only' sport. Being a part of such a historical moment in sports was something I will never forget.

National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR)

Executive summary

As part of a government initiative to address the disturbing number of unsolved cases of murdered and missing Aboriginal women, the RCMP was directed to develop a centre to provide specialised services to all Missing Person (MP) and Unidentified Remains (UR) investigations in Canada. The result is the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR).

Building on the vision and work done in response to a resolution of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the NCMPUR implements a national program providing investigators across Canada with enhanced services including:

• national data sharing,
• sophisticated analytical support,
• liaison and coordination, and
• development of investigation best practices.

The NCMPUR is a national centre that provides all of these services and manages an infrastructure so that regional centres, where they exist, can be designated as Centres for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (CMPURS) and use that infrastructure in order to provide some of the same services in local jurisdictions.

The NCMPUR infrastructure includes a database collecting information on missing persons and unidentified remains occurrences across Canada, and on foreign cases where there is a Canadian connection. This information includes personal information that may include sensitive information or information about persons under the age of 18. The information is gathered primarily through an electronic connection with the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). CPIC an established infrastructure for sharing information between police agencies. Additional information may be entered directly by CMPUR members.

Since the purpose of the NCMPUR program is consistent with the reasons the information was gathered by the investigators and the CMPUR members are providing specialised police services to these investigators, there is no additional privacy risk imposed by the CMPUR.The technical infrastructure, the NCMPUR Policy and the content itself ensure that the information is only used to help locate missing persons and to identify unidentified remains.

Services include publication of selected information through the national website "Canada's Missing". The website solicits 'tips' which may help the primary investigators advance or resolve a case. This is done in the best interest of the subject and is a consistent use of the information.

The primary investigator, working with the CMPUR, supplies and selects the information to be published, and approves the publication, in consultation with the family of the missing person if appropriate. Personal information may be included in a 'tip' received, and the person providing the tip may include their own contact information (completely anonymous tipping is available through Crime Stoppers). The technical infrastructure and the NCMPUR Policy ensure that all personal information is handled appropriately.

The NCMPUR infrastructure also supports the National Missing Persons DNA Program. NCMPUR advises investigators and authorizes submissions , enforcing limitations on collection that are part of the DNA Identification Act. It also ensures that DNA profiles are removed from the National DNA Data Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The NCMPUR Infrastructure does not hold the DNA profiles but works with data about the profiles including identity of donors.

All information on a case is retained until the missing person is found or unidentified remains are identified. Analytical and investigative requirements have been identified that allow for continued retention of case information until 15 years after the case is resolved, at which time personal information is removed and the remainder is kept indefinitely for research. Since information used in the NCMPUR program is owned by the contributing agencies and is mostly a copy of information in their investigative files, access to information requests will be referred to the source agencies.

The NCMPUR business design includes delivery of services by the national centre (at the RCMP) and the regional centres that are run by police agencies or coroner/medical examiner agencies (CMPURs). Access to the technical infrastructure and direct access to the information is available only to cleared and trained personnel.. Although the regional centres may fall within provincial jurisdictions, the NCMPUR overall is managed by the RCMP, and therefore a single Privacy Impact Assessment has been written for the multi-institutional program. The federal Privacy Act governs privacy for the entire program. The Officer in Charge, Canadian Police Centre for Missing and Exploited Children/Behavioural Sciences Branch (CPCMEC/BSB) at the RCMP is accountable for privacy in the NCMPUR program (which is managed under CPCMEC/BSB) The NCMPUR Policy and the MOUs between the RCMP and the regional centres ensure a flow-down of accountability for privacy in accordance with the federal Privacy Act.

The fact that the NCMPUR is a multi-jurisdictional and multi-institutional program, and the nature of the information held, mean that the privacy risk area identification and categorization is 'high', and as such the privacy impact assessment has been thorough. The privacy impact assessment has been an integral part of the NCMPUR program and infrastructure design from the beginning.

Technical features, policy elements, Memorandums of Understanding with CMPURs, training and practices have been developed to mitigate identified risks and handle information in accordance with the Privacy Act and RCMP policy. A risk mitigation plan has been developed to address all residual risks at the appropriate points in time.

Centre national pour les personnes disparues et restes non identifiés (CNPDRN)

Sommaire

Devant le nombre inquiétant de dossiers non résolus de meurtres et de disparitions de femmes autochtones, le gouvernement a lancé une initiative pour laquelle il a chargé la GRC de mettre sur pied un centre qui fournirait des services spécialisés à toutes les enquêtes sur des personnes disparues (PD) et des restes non identifiés (RN) au Canada. Ainsi est né le Centre national pour les personnes disparues et les restes non identifiés (CNPDRN).

Conformément à la vision et aux travaux auxquels a donné lieu l'une des résolutions de l'Association canadienne des chefs de police (ACCP), le CNPDRN exécute un programme national qui fournit aux enquêteurs de partout au Canada des services bonifiés, dont ceux-ci :

• mise en commun de données à l'échelle nationale;
• soutien d'analyse avancée;
• liaison et coordination;
• diffusion de pratiques d'enquête exemplaires.

Le CNPDRN est un centre national qui fournit tous ces services et gère l'infrastructure qui permet aux centres régionaux, là où ils existent, d'être désignés centres pour les personnes disparues et les restes non identifiés (CPDRN) et d'exploiter cette infrastructure pour fournir une partie des mêmes services aux autorités compétentes.

L'infrastructure du CNPDRN comporte une base de données dans laquelle sont recueillis des renseignements sur les incidents concernant des personnes disparues et des restes non identifiés de partout au Canada et de l'étranger lorsqu'il y a un lien avec le Canada. Ces renseignements peuvent contenir des renseignements personnels qui peuvent être de nature délicate ou concerner des personnes de moins de 18 ans. Ils sont principalement obtenus grâce à un lien électronique avec le Centre d'information de la police canadienne (CIPC), une infrastructure établie pour la mise en commun de données entre services de police. D'autres renseignements peuvent y être saisis directement par des membres des CPDRN.

Puisque le but du CNPDRN correspond aux raisons pour lesquelles les données sont recueillies par les enquêteurs et que les membres des CPDRN fournissent des services de police spécialisés à ces enquêteurs, les CPDRN ne posent aucun risque supplémentaire pour la vie privée. L'infrastructure technique, la politique du CNPDRN et la teneur même des renseignements suffisent à garantir que ces renseignements ne servent qu'à aider à trouver une personne disparue ou à identifier des restes non identifiés.

Les services incluent la publication de certains renseignements sur le site Web national Disparus-Canada, dont le but est d'obtenir des informations susceptibles d'aider les enquêteurs principaux à faire avancer ou à résoudre une affaire. Une telle démarche est faite dans l'intérêt du sujet et constitue une utilisation conforme des renseignements.

L'enquêteur principal, de concert avec le CPDRN, choisit et fournit les données qui seront publiées et en approuve la publication en consultation avec la famille de la personne disparue, si la situation s'y prête. Des renseignements personnels peuvent ressortir d'une information reçue et la personne qui transmet l'information peut fournir ses coordonnées (il est possible de transmettre de l'information de manière tout à fait anonyme à Échec au crime). L'infrastructure technique et la politique du CNPDRN garantissent le traitement adéquat de tous les renseignements personnels.

Le CNPDRN soutient également le Programme national de données génétiques pour les personnes disparues (PNDGPD). Le CNPDRN fournit des conseils aux enquêteurs et autorise les inscriptions afin de faire respecter les limites relatives à la collecte prévues dans la Loi sur l'identification par les empreintes génétiques. Il s'assure que les profils d'identification génétique sont supprimés de la Banque nationale de données génétiques (BNDG) en conformité avec les dispositions de la Loi. Le CNPDRN ne tient pas les profils d'identification génétique, mais utilise les données liées aux profils, dont l'identité des donneurs.

Toutes les données d'un dossier sont conservées jusqu'à ce que la personne disparue soit trouvée ou les restes non identifiés, identifiés. Pour les besoins des analystes et des enquêteurs, la conservation des données du dossier est autorisée jusqu'à 15 années après la conclusion de l'affaire; après quoi, les renseignements personnels sont expurgés des dossiers qui sont alors conservés indéfiniment aux fins de recherche. Puisque les données utilisées par le CNPDRN appartiennent aux services contributeurs et qu'elles sont essentiellement une copie des données des dossiers d'enquête, les demandes d'accès à l'information sont normalement transmises aux services sources.

Le modèle de fonctionnement du CNPDRN comporte la prestation de services par le centre national (à la GRC) et par les centres régionaux exploités par des services de police ou par le bureau du coroner ou du médecin légiste (CPDRN). L'accès à l'infrastructure technique et l'accès direct aux données est limité au personnel habilité et formé. Bien que les centres régionaux puissent relever d'autorités provinciales, le CNPDRN est géré dans sa totalité par la GRC, de sorte qu'il n'y a qu'une évaluation des facteurs relatifs à la vie privée (EFVP) pour le programme pluri-institutionnel et que la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels fédérale s'applique au programme en entier. L'officier responsable du Centre canadien de police pour les enfants disparus et exploités / Sous-direction des sciences du comportement (CCPEDE/SDSC) à la GRC est responsable de la protection des renseignements personnels détenus par le programme du CNPDRN (géré par le CCPEDE/SDSC). La politique du CNPDRN et les protocoles d'entente entre la GRC et les centres régionaux engagent toutes les parties à respecter les exigences de protection des renseignements personnels que prévoit la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels.

Le fait que le CNPDRN soit un programme auquel participent de multiples autorités compétentes et de multiples institutions et la nature des données qui s'y trouvent signifient que le risque pour les renseignements personnels est élevé, d'où l'exécution d'une EFVP exhaustive. Celle-ci fait partie intégrante du programme du CNPDRN et de son infrastructure depuis ses débuts.

Les caractéristiques techniques, les politiques, les protocoles d'entente avec les CPDRN, la formation et les pratiques ont été élaborés de manière à atténuer les risques connus et à traiter les renseignements dans le respect de la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels et des politiques de la GRC. Un plan d'atténuation des risques a été élaboré pour s'occuper en temps voulu de tous les risques résiduels.

Concours Nommez un poulain - Proposition individuelle

Avis de confidentialité : Tous les renseignements personnels recueillis par cette institution sont gouvernés par la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels. Le gouvernement du Canada et la Gendarmerie royale du Canada s'engagent à offrir des sites Web qui respectent la confidentialité des visiteurs. L'avis de confidentialité résume les pratiques de protection des renseignements personnels pour les activités en ligne de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada.

Name the Foal contest - Individual entry

Privacy Notice: All personal information collected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is governed by the Privacy Act. The Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are committed to providing websites that respect the privacy of visitors. This privacy notice summarizes the privacy practices for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's online activities.

A Family’s Guide to the National Missing Persons DNA Program

Submitting DNA for missing persons investigations

On this page

• Background
• Collecting the missing person's DNA
• Collecting DNA samples from blood relatives
• Collecting DNA from children
• DNA comparisons
• Incidental findings
• Withdrawing DNA profiles
• Notification of a DNA match or association
• Commitment to privacy
• Questions

Background

When a person is reported missing, investigators use various methods to find them. If more traditional methods aren't successful, the investigator may recommend DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) analysis which could provide potential leads in the investigation or might help identify human remains. This guide will provide you with general information about the National Missing Persons DNA Program (NMPDP) and the role that DNA might have in the investigation of a missing person.

The NMPDP was created as a humanitarian initiative to help investigations involving missing people or unidentified human remains. It is based on the voluntary submission of DNA for comparison to DNA profiles already in the National DNA Data Bank. You might be asked to submit your own DNA, or the missing person's DNA.

Canada's DNA Identification Act is specific about the types of comparisons in the National DNA Data Bank that are allowed under the NMPDP.

The value of DNA analysis to identify a person lies in the fact that DNA is found in the genetic makeup of all living things. Plus no two individuals, with the exception of identical twins, have the same DNA. The ability to associate a missing person to a family member depends on how closely related the family member is to the missing person. This is because DNA of close relatives is more similar than the DNA of distant relatives and because each person receives half their DNA from their mother and half from their father. The most useful DNA samples are from close blood relatives such as the missing person's biological mother, father, children, brothers or sisters.

Collecting the missing person's DNA

Submitting a missing person's DNA to the program is voluntary. A family may choose to not provide an item with DNA from the missing person, without reprisal or fear of discrimination. However, without this DNA, it may be more difficult to identify or locate the missing person.

Investigators may be able to collect the missing person's DNA from:

• personal items used only by that person, such as a toothbrush or hairbrush
• medical samples such as items removed during surgery, blood work, or a medical specimen stored at a hospital or clinic

The investigator may collect multiple items in the event that the missing person's DNA cannot be recovered from one.

The person providing the item(s) from the missing person will be asked to complete a form indicating that they have been informed and understand how the DNA profile from the missing person will be used, including the comparison with DNA profiles collected from crime scenes. They must understand that a DNA match to another police investigation could be used as evidence against the missing person in a criminal investigation and in a subsequent prosecution.

Collecting DNA samples from blood relatives

In consultation with the family, the investigator will identify the most suitable family members for submitting DNA samples. Anyone from whom a DNA sample is collected must provide written consent to take part in the program. Once you've given your consent, the investigator will collect samples of your DNA. The types of DNA samples requested are generally:

• blood (only a very small amount is required)
• a mouth swab (taken from the inside of the cheek)

Investigators may collect DNA from non-blood relatives (e.g., a roommate or spouse) to exclude them as the source of DNA found on a personal item belonging to the missing person.

A family member can choose to not provide their DNA sample, without reprisal or fear of discrimination. However, without their DNA, it may be more difficult to identify or locate the missing person.

Collecting DNA from children

Investigators need written consent from a parent or legal guardian before collecting a DNA sample from someone under the age of 18. Once the person reaches the age of 18, they will be asked to submit their own written consent (before their 19th birthday) in order to keep their DNA profile in the National DNA Data Bank.

When submitting a DNA sample from the child of a missing person, it's also helpful to submit DNA from the child's other biological parent, in order to determine which part of the child's DNA came from the missing parent.

DNA comparisons

Investigators send DNA samples to the National DNA Data Bank to develop DNA profiles. The profiles are uploaded into the appropriate index and immediately compared to other DNA profiles in the data bank as permitted by the DNA Identification Act.

DNA profiles developed from items of a missing person are entered into the Missing Persons Index within the National DNA Data Bank. These profiles are compared to all other DNA profiles in the data bank, including DNA from:

• Unidentified Human Remains
• Convicted offenders
• Crime scenes

DNA profiles from missing persons can be sent for international comparison.

DNA profiles submitted by family members are entered into the Relatives of Missing Persons Index. These may be used to confirm that the DNA taken from items belonging to the missing person does indeed belong to the missing person. Profiles in the Relatives of Missing Persons Index:

• Can only be compared to DNA profiles of missing persons or unidentified human remains
• Can't be compared to DNA profiles from convicted offenders or crime scenes
• Can't be sent for international comparison

DNA profiles are continually being added to the data bank and searches are conducted regularly. A match or association could happen at any time: immediately, long term or not at all.

Incidental findings

DNA comparisons may reveal information that's different from what people know about their family members. This information won't be revealed unless it's necessary for the investigation.

Withdrawing DNA profiles

DNA profiles and related information are removed from the National DNA Data Bank when:

• you withdraw your consent (for your DNA profile) at any time by writing to the investigating agency
• the investigation has been resolved
• automatically after five years if the RCMP can't confirm from the investigator that the DNA profile is still needed, the investigation is still ongoing, and consent has not been withdrawn

No further DNA comparisons can be made once the DNA profiles are removed from the National DNA Data Bank.

Notification of a DNA match or association

The program will inform the investigator when there is a DNA association to a family member or a DNA match to a missing person. The investigator should contact you directly with information that's relevant to the investigation.

Commitment to privacy

The DNA Identification Act, which establishes the authority for the National Missing Persons DNA Program, was written to respect Canadian privacy laws and safeguard personal information. Any comparisons made within the National DNA Data Bank are strictly controlled. Details are included in the Privacy Statement and consent forms that the investigator provides to a family member before a sample is collected.

If you have concerns related to the collection, use, disclosure or retention of personal information under the National Missing Persons DNA Program, contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Questions

If you have any requests or questions about the National Missing Persons DNA Program, contact the investigator for the missing person's case.

Guide à l'intention des familles sur le Programme national d'ADN pour les personnes disparues

Transmission de profils d'ADN pour les enquêtes sur des personnes disparues

Sur cette page

• Contexte
• Prélèvement de l'ADN de la personne disparue
• Prélèvement d'échantillons d'ADN de membres de la famille
• Prélèvement de l'ADN d'enfant
• Comparaisons d'ADN
• Résultats fortuits
• Retrait de profils d'ADN
• Avis de correspondance ou d'association génétique
• Engagement à protéger les renseignements personnels
• Questions

Contexte

Lorsqu'une personne est portée disparue, les enquêteurs recourent à diverses techniques pour la retrouver. Si les méthodes traditionnelles échouent, l'enquêteur peut recommander des analyses génétiques – à partir d'un échantillon d'ADN (acide désoxyribonucléique) – pour offrir la possibilité de nouvelles pistes d'enquête ou pour tenter d'identifier des restes humains. Le présent guide contient de l'information générale sur le Programme nationale d'ADN pour les personnes disparues (PNAPD) et sur l'utilité de l'ADN dans le cadre d'une enquête sur une personne disparue.

Initiative humanitaire, le Programme vise à faciliter les enquêtes sur les personnes disparues et les restes humains non identifiés. Il repose sur la transmission volontaire de profils d'ADN à des fins de comparaison dans la Banque nationale de données génétiques (BNDG). On pourrait vous demander de soumettre un échantillon de votre propre ADN ou de celui de la personne disparue.

La Loi sur l'identification par les empreintes génétiques au Canada est précise quant aux types de comparaisons qui peuvent être effectuées dans la BNDG en vertu du Programme.

L'importance de l'analyse génétique pour l'identification d'une personne réside dans le fait que l'ADN est un matériau fondamental de ce qui constitue génétiquement tout être vivant. De plus, chaque être humain, à l'exception des jumeaux identiques, a un ADN différent. La capacité d'associer une personne disparue à un membre de sa famille dépend des liens entre le membre de la famille et la personne disparue. Cette situation s'explique par le fait que l'ADN des parents proches est plus similaire que l'ADN de parents éloignés et parce que chaque personne reçoit la moitié de son ADN de sa mère et l'autre moitié de son père. Les échantillons d'ADN les plus utiles proviennent des membres de la famille que sont la mère, le père, les enfants, les frères ou les sœurs biologiques de la personne disparue.

Prélèvement de l'ADN de la personne disparue

La transmission d'échantillons d'ADN d'une personne disparue au Programme est volontaire. Une famille peut choisir de ne pas fournir un article contenant l'ADN de la personne disparue, sans crainte de représailles ou de discrimination. Cependant, sans cet ADN, il pourrait être plus difficile d'identifier ou de trouver la personne disparue.

Les enquêteurs peuvent prélever des échantillons d'ADN d'une personne disparue sur :

• des articles personnels utilisés uniquement par cette personne, tels qu'une brosse à dents ou une brosse à cheveux;
• des échantillons médicaux, tels que des éléments retirés lors d'une chirurgie, des prises de sang ou un spécimen médical conservé dans un hôpital ou une clinique.

L'enquêteur peut recueillir plusieurs articles au cas où l'ADN de la personne disparue ne pourrait pas être prélevé sur l'un des articles recueillis.

La personne qui fournit le ou les articles de la personne disparue sera appelée à remplir un formulaire indiquant qu'elle a été informée de l'utilisation qui sera faite du profil d'ADN de la personne disparue, notamment la comparaison avec des profils d'ADN recueillis sur des lieux de crime, et qu'elle la comprend. Elle doit comprendre qu'une correspondance de données génétiques obtenue dans le cadre d'une autre enquête policière pourrait servir d'élément de preuve contre la personne disparue dans une enquête criminelle et des poursuites subséquentes.

Prélèvement d'échantillons d'ADN de membres de la famille

Après avoir consulté la famille, l'enquêteur désignera les membres dont les échantillons d'ADN conviendraient le mieux. Toute personne dont on prélève un échantillon d'ADN doit consentir par écrit à participer au Programme. Dès que vous aurez donné votre consentement, l'enquêteur prélèvera des échantillons de votre ADN. Voici les types d'échantillons généralement demandés :

• du sang (une très petite quantité suffit);
• un échantillon buccal (prélevé de l'intérieur de la joue).

Les enquêteurs peuvent prélever des échantillons d'ADN de parents non biologiques (colocataire ou conjoint(e)) pour les exclure en tant que source d'ADN trouvé sur un article appartenant à la personne disparue.

Un membre de la famille peut choisir de ne pas fournir un échantillon d'ADN, sans crainte de représailles ou de discrimination. Cependant, sans cet ADN, il pourrait être plus difficile d'identifier ou de trouver la personne disparue.

Prélèvement de l'ADN d'enfant

Avant de prélever un échantillon d'ADN d'une personne âgée de moins de 18 ans, les enquêteurs doivent obtenir le consentement écrit d'un de ses parents ou de son tuteur légal. Lorsque l'enfant atteint l'âge de 18 ans, il devra soumettre son propre consentement écrit (avant son 19^e anniversaire de naissance) afin que son profil d'ADN soit conservé dans la BNDG.

Lors de la transmission d'un échantillon d'ADN de l'enfant d'une personne disparue, il est aussi utile de transmettre un échantillon d'ADN de l'autre parent biologique pour déterminer quelle partie de l'ADN de l'enfant provient du parent disparu.

Comparaisons d'ADN

Les enquêteurs envoient les échantillons d'ADN à la BNDG où des profils d'ADN sont créés. Les profils sont versés dans le fichier approprié et immédiatement comparés à d'autres profils d'ADN qui se trouvent dans la BNDG, conformément à la Loi sur l'identification par les empreintes génétiques.

Les profils d'ADN établis à partir des articles d'une personne disparue sont entrés dans le Fichier des personnes disparues de la BNDG. Ces profils sont comparés à tous les autres profils d'ADN qui se trouvent dans la BNDG et qui ont été créés à partir d'échantillons d'ADN prélevés sur :

• des restes humains non identifiés;
• des condamnés;
• des lieux de crime.

Les profils d'ADN de personnes disparues peuvent être envoyés aux fins de comparaison à l'échelle internationale.

Les profils d'ADN transmis par des membres de la famille sont entrés dans le Fichier des familles de personnes disparues. Ils peuvent servir à confirmer que l'ADN prélevé sur des articles appartenant à la personne disparue provient bel et bien de cette dernière. Les profils d'ADN du Fichier des familles de personnes disparues :

• peuvent seulement être comparés aux profils d'ADN de personnes disparues ou de restes non identifiés;
• ne peuvent être comparés aux profils d'ADN de condamnés ou établis à partir d'ADN prélevé sur des lieux de crime;
• ne peuvent être envoyés aux fins de comparaison à l'échelle internationale.

Des profils d'ADN sont continuellement ajoutés à la BNDG, et des recherches sont effectuées régulièrement. Une correspondance ou une association peut être immédiate, à long terme ou inexistante.

Résultats fortuits

Les comparaisons d'ADN peuvent révéler de l'information différente de ce que la famille voit comme une évidence. Cette information ne sera communiquée que si elle est nécessaire pour l'enquête.

Retrait de profils d'ADN

Les profils d'ADN et les renseignements connexes sont retirés de la BNDG lorsque :

• vous retirez votre consentement (pour votre profil génétique) à tout moment en écrivant au service enquêteur;
• l'enquête a été résolue;
• après cinq ans, la GRC ne peut pas confirmer auprès de l'enquêteur que le profil génétique est toujours nécessaire, que l'enquête est toujours en cours et que le consentement n'a pas été retiré.

Aucune comparaison génétique ne peut être effectuée après que les profils sont retirés de la BNDG.

Avis de correspondance ou d'association génétique

Le Programme informera l'enquêteur de toute association à un membre de la famille ou correspondance avec une personne disparue. L'enquêteur doit vous communiquer directement l'information utile à l'enquête.

Engagement à protéger les renseignements personnels

La Loi sur l'identification par les empreintes génétiques octroie les pouvoirs du Programme et elle a été rédigée dans le but de respecter les lois canadiennes sur la protection des renseignements personnels. Toutes les comparaisons effectuées à l'intérieur de la BNDG sont soumises à un contrôle strict. L'énoncé de confidentialité contient des détails à ce sujet de même que les formulaires de consentement que l'enquêteur fournit à la famille avant le prélèvement des échantillons.

Si vous avez des préoccupations liées à la collecte, à l'utilisation, à la communication ou à la conservation de renseignements personnels dans le cadre du Programme, vous pouvez communiquer avec le Commissariat à la protection de la vie privée du Canada

Questions

Si vous avez des questions ou des demandes concernant le Programme, vous pouvez communiquer avec l'enquêteur chargé du dossier de la personne disparue.

Concours Nommez un poulain - Proposition par une classe

Ce formulaire est pour les propositions par une classe. Pour les propositions individuelles, veuillez utiliser le formulaire pour les individuels.

Avis de confidentialité : Tous les renseignements personnels recueillis par cette institution sont gouvernés par la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels. Le gouvernement du Canada et la Gendarmerie royale du Canada s'engagent à offrir des sites Web qui respectent la confidentialité des visiteurs. L'avis de confidentialité résume les pratiques de protection des renseignements personnels pour les activités en ligne de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada.

Name the Foal contest - School class entry

This form is for school class entries. For individual entries please use the individual entry form.

Privacy Notice: All personal information collected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is governed by the Privacy Act. The Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are committed to providing websites that respect the privacy of visitors. This privacy notice summarizes the privacy practices for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's online activities.

Evaluation of the RCMP’s Biology Casework Analysis

Evaluation of the RCMP's Biology Casework Analysis

November 20, 2017

Table of contents

1. 1. Executive Summary
2. 2. Introduction
   • 2.1 Purpose and Scope of the Evaluation
   • 2.2 Program Description
   • 2.3 Methodology and Approach
   • 2.4 Limitations
3. 3. Findings
   • 3.1 Demand for Service
   • 3.2 Alignment with Mandate, Role and Responsibilities
   • 3.3 Achievement of Expected Outcomes
   • 3.4 Internal Factors Impacting Performance
   • 3.5 External Factors Impacting Performance
   • 3.6 Economy
4. 4. Conclusions and Recommendations
5. 5. Management Response and Action Plan

Acronyms and abbreviations

BCA

Biology Casework Analysis

CSI

Crime Severity Index

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid

EM

Evidence Management

ER

Evidence Recovery

FAC

Forensic Assessment Centre

FS&IS

Forensic Science and Identification Services

FTE

Full-Time Equivalent

ISO

International Organization for Standardization

Lab

Laboratory

LIMS

Laboratory Information Management System

NFLS

National Forensic Laboratory Services

RCMP

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

SOP

Standard Operating Procedures

1. Executive Summary

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the main provider of forensic analysis for many police agencies across Canada. The RCMP has three forensic laboratories located in Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa. The Biology Services Program provides biological evidence recovery (ER), DNA analysis, and reporting services in relation to a wide range of criminal code offences. Biology service requests are divided and analyzed under four categories: crimes against property; crimes against persons; sexual assault and homicides.^{Footnote 1}

In 2014, the Government of Canada entered into new cost-sharing Biology Casework Analysis Agreements with each province (excluding Ontario and Quebec) and the three territories. Cost-sharing was phased-in, and is based on the average proportional usage of the service during the previous two-year period.

Included in this report are the results of the evaluation of the RCMP's Biology Casework Analysis (BCA). The evaluation was conducted by the RCMP's National Program Evaluation Services. The evaluation was national in scope, and covered the five-year period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016.

What we Examined:

The evaluation assessed: the demand for Biology Services; the clarity of roles and responsibilities in the provision of services; the quality, timeliness and costs of services; factors impacting the provision of services; and whether any efficiency or economical gains could be made. Multiple lines of evidence were analyzed to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the Program.

What we Found:

The provision of BCA falls within the mandate of the RCMP. The service is delivered through a clearly established process where roles and responsibilities are well documented. The BCA Agreements between the provinces/territories and the RCMP has contributed to the financial sustainability and predictability of the Program.

Over the five-year period examined, the demand for BCA remained relatively stable for the first four years of the Agreements with a 25% increase in service requests in 2015/16. Legislative changes and crime rates have contributed to the increased demand.

The RCMP targets a 40-day turnaround time for routine BCA requests, and this target was achieved almost half the time (47%) over the reference period. Priority requests, which have a negotiated timeline, were achieved 91% the time. Although the lab continued to utilize alternative mechanisms such as overtime and private sector contracting to address the 2015/16 increase in demand, the achievement of combined routine and priority requests fell from 50% in 2014/15, to 43% in 2015/16. While the majority of clients are satisfied with the timeliness of Biology Services, it was unclear as to how the 40-day target was determined given the varying nature and complexity of requests.

There were several internal and external factors that impacted the Program's performance. With regard to internal factors, RCMPs labs policies, processes, procedures and governance structures supported program delivery. The evaluation also found performance information is available to assist management decision-making. With regard to external factors, the evaluation noted increased demands, quality of service request submissions, and a need for increased client awareness and education as impacting program performance.

What was Recommended:

Based on the findings of the evaluation, two recommendations were made to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of biology casework analysis:

Recommendation 1: That National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS), in collaboration with clients, establish a service target that considers a balance between timeliness and cost of service to establish achievable diary dates.

Recommendation 2: That NFLS assess existing communication materials targeted to the needs of police services and prosecutors, to determine if updates are required.

2. Introduction

2.1 Purpose and Scope of the Evaluation

This report presents the results of the evaluation of the RCMP Biology Casework Analysis. As per the Agreements Respecting Biology Casework Analysis between the Government of Canada and signatory provinces and territories (which does not include Ontario and Quebec), the RCMP was to conduct an evaluation the RCMP's Biology Casework Analysis within the National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) by April 1, 2017.^{Footnote 2}

For the purpose of this evaluation, only the RCMP's Biology Services as provided by the three laboratory sites were assessed. Other forensic services offered, as well as the National DNA Data Bank, were not included in the scope of the evaluation except to situate how Biology Services fits within the continuum of forensic services provided to a client.

The evaluation was conducted by the RCMP's National Program Evaluation Services. The evaluation was national in scope, and covered the five-year period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016. The objective of the evaluation was to assess the demand for Biology Services; the clarity of roles and responsibilities in the provision of services; the quality, timeliness and costs of services; factors impacting the provision of services; and whether any efficiency or economical gains could be made.

Since 1990, the RCMP's forensic laboratory services, including biology casework, have been subject to various assessments to determine compliance and performance. For example, in 2007, the Office of the Auditor General conducted an Audit of the Management of Forensic Laboratory Services,^{Footnote 3} and in 2011, completed an Audit of National Police Services^{Footnote 4}. In 2014, Public Safety Canada conducted an evaluation of its role in the Biology Casework Analysis Activities^{Footnote 5}. This evaluation did not assess the RCMP Laboratory or their related activities.

2.2 Program Description

Overview of Biology Casework Analysis

Forensic science refers to the examination of scenes of crime, recovery of evidence, laboratory examinations, interpretation of findings, and presentation of the conclusions reached for intelligence purposes or for use in court. Forensic science activities range from instrumental analysis with unequivocal results, such as blood alcohol determination, to the investigation of suspicious fires and vehicle accidents, to comparison work such as handwriting and tool mark examination, which is largely subjective in nature.^{Footnote 6}

The RCMP is the main provider of forensic analysis for many police agencies across Canada. The RCMP's Biology Service is organized to operate as one laboratory with three sites located in Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa. The RCMP Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC) is the first point of contact for investigators and clients requiring RCMP Laboratory analysis, who are then directed to the appropriate unit for completion of the necessary analysis. Services can range from: detecting drugs and alcohol in bodily fluid and tissue; analysing firearms to determine the type of weapon; tool mark identification; bloodstain pattern analysis; the analysis of paint, fire debris, clothing and footwear; analysis of counterfeit and questionable documents; and, for the purposes of this evaluation, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis. DNA analysis includes the analysis of biological trace evidence recovered at crime scenes such as bodily fluids (i.e. blood, semen and saliva), hair, and cellular material from handled objects. The RCMP also uses the services of a private laboratory when demand for service exceeds the capacity of the RCMP's three laboratories.

The Biology Services Program reports organizationally to the National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) under Forensic Science and Identification Services (FS&IS). Within FS&IS, the Quality Branch provides quality assurance for all forensic services. Within NFLS there are Policy and Program Support positions (including Research and Development) which provide support to all forensic services, including the Biology Services Program, which has Policy and Program Support personnel at the three lab sites.

Biology Services provides biological evidence recovery (ER), DNA analysis, and reporting services in relation to a wide range of criminal code offences. Figure 1 below demonstrates the process undertaken for Biological Casework Analysis.

Figure 1: Procedure for Biological Casework Analysis

Biology service requests received from investigators (also referred to as "clients" throughout this report) are divided and analyzed under four categories:^{Footnote 7}

1. Crimes against property – Involve unlawful acts to gain property, but do not involve the use or threat of violence against the person. They include offences such as break and enter, theft and fraud
2. Crimes against persons – Involve the use or threatened use of violence against a person, however, for BCA it does not include homicides and sexual assault cases which are their own categories
3. Sexual assault – defined as an assault of a sexual nature that violates the sexual integrity of the victim^{Footnote 8}
4. Homicides – A homicide occurs when a person directly or indirectly, by any means, causes the death of a human being.

Once the RCMP's forensic scientists determine the answers to the investigator's forensic question(s), the results are provided in a forensic report to the investigator. The current goal is to provide this report within a 40-day target 85% of the time. Forensic reports are used for securing a warrant, to further the investigation, or as evidence in court. If applicable, DNA results are also submitted to the National DNA Data Bank, which includes the Convicted Offenders Index (DNA profiles collected from convicted offenders) and the Crime Scene Index (DNA profiles obtained from crime scene investigations).

Cost of Biology Casework Analysis

In 2014, the Government of Canada entered into new cost-sharing Biology Casework Analysis Agreements with each province (excluding Ontario and Quebec) and the three territories. A key focus of the 2014 agreements was to implement a sustainable funding structure for the provision of the RCMP's Biology Services. The cost-sharing model used the average total cost from 2011/12 and 2012/13 ($27.7 million) as the baseline amount to be recovered from signatories. Cost-sharing was phased in, with the provinces and territories billed 28% of the $27.7M baseline costs in 2014/15, 40% in 2015/16 and 54% in 2016/17^{Footnote 9} based on their average proportional usage of the service in 2011/12 and 2012/13.

In accordance with the agreements, beginning April 1, 2017, the baseline for recovery is to be re-calculated every two years, using actual costs from the previous two years. In the subsequent two-years, the provinces and territories will be billed 54% of the revised baseline cost, based on their proportional usage during the previous two-year period.

The following table provides the actual total expenditures from 2012/13 to 2015/16.

* Financial figures are provided annually to Public Safety Canada to support FPT discussions concerning Biology Casework Analysis Agreements. Figures listed in the table were approved annually by the Deputy Commissioner of Specialized Policing Services and the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
**Actual expenditures does not include 2011/12 as 2012/13 was the first year of the new funding structure of the BCA Agreements with the Provinces and Territories.

Variations in cost can largely be attributed to staffing levels. In 2012/13, there were 128 full time equivalents (FTE) working in Biology Services. This dropped to approximately 118 FTEs in 2015/16. Additionally, three labs were closed during this time period. Overtime and private sector contracting, both of which are used to address any shortfalls in capacity, have also impacted the total costs.

2.3 Methodology and approach

Logic Model

A logic model was developed for the purpose of this evaluation, with input from the program. It provides an overview of the logical linkages between inputs, activities, outputs and various levels of outcome.

Evaluation Approach and Design

A theory-based approach was used for this evaluation. Program performance was measured against intended results articulated in the program logic model. Extensive use of triangulation was undertaken as an analytical method, where multiple lines of evidence helped corroborate findings.

The evaluation questions covered relevance and performance, including effectiveness, efficiency and economy. The data collection, research and report was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Treasury Board's Policy on Results (2016). Qualitative and quantitative information was used to determine findings and recommendations for improvement, and to help inform senior management decision-making.

The following lines of evidence were used to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of the BCA:

Document and Literature Review. Ninety-three written sources of information were consulted such as foundational documents, operational reports, meeting minutes, records of decisions, communication products, and previous assessments.

Review of Performance and Financial Data. Data relating to BCA housed in the RCMP financial management information system (TEAM); human resource information system (HRMIS); and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) was extracted and analyzed.

Interviews and On-site Visits. Evaluators visited the RCMP's three lab sites (Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa) to conduct interviews and focus groups, as well as to better understand the workflow.

A total of 52 interviews were conducted. There were seven categories of interviewees tailored to their specific area of expertise. These included: 17 biology lab staff; 16 clients of lab services (i.e. investigators and crown attorney); eight NFLS Support; eight internal RCMP stakeholders (i.e. have knowledge of the Program); and three Management positions. Lab staff and management were selected based on their level of experience and knowledge of biology casework analysis. Client interviewees included individuals who made the most use of RCMP Biology Services; within the client category there were five RCMP detachments and two police forces other than RCMP.

Focus Groups. Focus groups involving a total of 18 participants were held at the three lab sites. Participants included representatives from evidence recovery, analytical, and reporting.

2.4 Limitations

Some challenges and limitations were encountered during the conduct of the evaluation, however these were mitigated as outlined below. The evaluation's assessment of demand for service, cost of service, and workflow timeliness was largely based on data recorded in LIMS. Some anomalies were noted in this data, including inconsistent or missing dates (e.g. processing date in advance of receipt date, receipt date in advance of date assigned to a lab, no date recorded for completion of intermediary steps). Records containing these types of errors were eliminated from the analysis. This approach was taken in order to demonstrate reliability and validity of the findings, and to ensure that conclusions and recommendations were based on objective and documented evidence

3. Findings

3.1 Demand for Service

DNA evidence was first permitted in a Canadian courtroom in 1989.^{Footnote 10} Since then, the demand for DNA profiling has increased as a result of its highly conclusive results. DNA is the same in every cell of the body (blood, hair, teeth, tissue, semen, saliva, bone, epithelial cells), and does not change over time.^{Footnote 11} With extremely low odds of two individuals producing the same profile, DNA results have become fundamental for investigations and court proceedings. In 2006/2007, the RCMP received 3,401 biology service requests, and by 2015/16 this had increased to 8,102.^{Footnote 12}

This evaluation specifically analyzed service demand trends from 2011/12 to 2015/16. From 2011/12 to 2015/16, the RCMP processed a total of 34,060 service requests (Table 2). As noted earlier, service requests are categorized by four offense types: crimes against property; sexual assaults; crimes against persons; and homicides. For the first four years covered by this evaluation, demand for services remained relatively stable, however, in 2015/16 the lab experienced a 25% increase in service requests over the previous fiscal year. While increases were observed in each of the four service streams, the greatest increase was in crimes against property where a 32% increase over 2014/15 levels was observed. In each of the assessed years, approximately 2% of the requests were documented as priority requests (priority requests are processed first and often ahead of the 40-day target). Over the examined five-year period, 792 requests were documented as priority.

* Note: Data extracted August 18, 2016, and based on the date the service request was received by the Forensic Assessment Centre.

The majority of requests were received from British Columbia (34%) and Alberta (31%) over the five-year period (Table 3). While 10 of the 11 signatory provinces/territories had increased demand in 2015/16 when compared to 2014/15, the greatest growth in demand (43%) occurred in Alberta.

*Note: Numbers are based on the date the service request was received by the Forensic Assessment Centre.

Rationale for Increased Demand

While the extent of the increase in 2015/16 was unexpected, 19 interviewees^{Footnote 13} stated the increase was a result of increase in crime rates^{Footnote 14} , the belief that DNA evidence has become an "expectation" for the courts^{Footnote 15} , and the popularization of forensic sciences in the mainstream media (referred to by some as the "CSI effect").^{Footnote 16}

When clients were asked how they decide when to engage the services of the RCMP's forensic lab, they (12/12) described the process taken at a crime scene. If the investigation falls under a designated offence according to section 487.04 of the Canadian Criminal Code,^{Footnote 17} which allows for DNA analysis, it is likely that investigators will collect DNA evidence. Investigators may first consider the quality of the exhibit^{Footnote 18} and the likelihood that it will move the investigation forward prior to sending exhibits to the RCMP lab for analysis.

Clients were also asked how frequently and for what reasons they would use a private commercial lab for profiling services, rather than the RCMP. Interviewees (9/12) indicated that at times they use a private lab because it offers a service not offered by the RCMP lab (for example, mitochondrial DNA testing), or because they felt the private lab could process the exhibits faster in urgent situations.^{Footnote 19}

Legislative Changes that have affected demand

Changes to legislation have had an effect on the demand for Biology Services. In 1995, Parliament enacted amendments to the Criminal Code under which a provincial court judge could issue a warrant authorizing a police officer to obtain a biological sample^{Footnote 20} (hair, blood or saliva) from a suspect for the purposes of forensic DNA analysis for Primary offences under the criminal code.^{Footnote 21} The introduction of the 1998 DNA Identification Act established a national DNA data bank to help law enforcement agencies identify persons alleged to have committed designated offences.^{Footnote 22} In 2000, Parliament enacted a third piece of legislation relating to the collection and use of DNA forensic evidence.^{Footnote 23} In 2008, through the introduction of new legislation, many criminal code offences were elevated from Secondary to Primary offences and many non-designated offences were elevated to Secondary offences. This increase in the number of secondary offences, predominantly categorized as crimes against property, led to an increase of submissions to the RCMP's Biology Services. As demonstrated earlier (Table 2), crimes against property represented 49% of service requests submitted in 2015/16. Prior to this amendment, exhibits for secondary designated offences were accepted under a quota system attributed to each province/territory for forensic DNA analysis until September 2009 when the quota on secondary designated offences was eliminated.^{Footnote 24}

Demand for Service is linked to Crime Rates

The overall frequency and severity of crime in Canada declined steadily between 1998 and 2014^{Footnote 25}. However, a Statistics Canada report titled "Police-Reported Crime Statistics in Canada, 2015" noted that both the Crime Rate and the Crime Severity Index (CSI) increased in 2015 for the first time since 2003.^{Footnote 26} The report concluded that the change in the CSI in 2015 was driven primarily by increases in fraud, breaking and entering, robbery, and homicide^{Footnote 27} – all offences where the RCMP's biology casework analysis services can contribute to investigative work. The Statistics Canada report further noted that "the upward movement of the national CSI was fueled by a notable growth in crime reported by Alberta."^{Footnote 28} This result aligns with the provincial/territorial trend in biology service requests, where the demand from Alberta increased by 43% in 2015/16 over the previous year's level (Table 3).

3.2 Alignment with Mandate, Role and Responsibilities

The mandate of the RCMP's Biology Services is to "support police investigations through the provision of forensic identification and analysis of exhibit materials used as evidence."^{Footnote 29} The RCMP lab, therefore, provides an essential service to police service clients. The scope and terms of service are outlined within the Biology Casework Analysis Agreements between the Government of Canada and signatory provinces and territories.

In addition to providing Biology Services, interviewees (8/13) believed it was also the RCMP's role to be an innovator in the areas of forensic analysis techniques and technologies, and to identify and test new processes and technologies. This role is confirmed in the RCMP's National Police Services Charter, which notes that the RCMP will strive to provide a "dynamic" national police service that "responds to the constantly changing nature of law enforcement."^{Footnote 30} Furthermore, one of the Charter's five listed fundamental principles is to be "innovative" in operations and administration where National Police Services "quickly adopts new technologies, processes and approaches to ensure law enforcement and criminal justice officials have the leading-edge tools and techniques required to effectively investigate and prosecute criminal activity."^{Footnote 31}

The evaluation noted that the roles and responsibilities of clients, NFLS Headquarters, and the three lab sites are well documented. The RCMP's biology service is organized to operate as one lab with three sites, with each site operating under the same Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and with rigorous quality assurance processes in place.

3.3 Achievement of Expected Outcomes

An expected immediate outcome of Biology Casework Analysis is that, "Sample test results allow scientists to compare and interpret DNA information to determine forensic associations (i.e. suspect to victim, suspect to scene, scene to scene, etc.). (Appendix A)"

In order for this to occur, the exhibit received must contain a sufficient amount of DNA to interpret DNA results to form forensic linkages. Between 2011/12 and 2015/16, 67% of the overall service requests processed had DNA present that could be analyzed (Table 4). The percentage of requests with sufficient DNA for analysis increased over the five-year period examined. In 2011, and again in 2015, improvements in both processing and instrumentation enabled the Biology program to generate a DNA profile from lower quantities of recovered DNA.^{Footnote 32} As a result, following these improvements, some cases which would have previously been reported as having insufficient DNA for analysis would no longer fall in that category. While this increase contributes to the achievement of the immediate outcome, the collection of sufficient DNA is outside the control of NFLS.

*An exhibit submitted to the RCMP Lab may result in multiple samples for analysis.

An intermediate outcome of Biology Casework Analysis is that "Forensic scientists provide answers to the forensic association question(s) in a forensic report that is submitted to the investigator (current goal is to provide this report within a 40-day target 85% of the time) (Appendix A)." The 40-day target applies to all routine requests while the priority requests have a negotiated timeline.

To assess the results of this outcome, LIMS data was analyzed to determine the percentage of both priority and routine requests that were completed within this targeted timeframe (Table 5).

*Routine requests have a target date of 40-days while priority requests have a negotiated timeline which is identified in the Laboratory Information Management System.

Timeliness of Service

During the reference period, the target to complete routine services requests was 40 days, 85% of the time. The LIMS system allows the targeted turnaround to be established for each individual service request. Over the five-year period covered by this evaluation, 95% of the service requests had a targeted turnaround time of 40-days.^{Footnote 33}

When the four offence streams were combined, the achievement of this target for routine requests varied from a high of 55% in 2011/12, to a low of 43% in 2015/16 (Table 5). On average, the target was achieved 47% of the time for routine requests over the five-year period. Homicide service requests tagged as routine were the least likely to be completed within 40-days, with the target being achieved 28% of the time. However, homicide priority requests were highly likely to be completed within the negotiated timeline.

Mechanisms to increase Timeliness and Capacity

Overtime and private sector contracting are two mechanisms used by the lab to ensure requests are completed within the 40-day target. To adjust for the 25% increase in demand (2015/16), overtime was increased by 40% over 2014/15 levels. In addition to overtime, 714 service requests were sent to a private sector lab for analysis in 2014/15, and 1356 were outsourced in 2015/16 – an increase of 90%. Despite these strategies, achievement of the 40-day target fell from 50% of the time in 2014/15, to 43% of the time in 2015/16.

Challenges with a 40-day Service Target

The timeliness of the justice system as a whole is of importance to Canadians. The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs is currently examining the key causes of delays and how these can be addressed^{Footnote 34}. In 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada set a deadline of 30 months for criminal trials to be completed; provincial court trials are to be concluded within 18 months.^{Footnote 35} Ensuring a timely system that supports an accused's Charter right to be tried within a reasonable time may also impact the RCMP's lab as it works to support investigators.

The evaluation was unable to determine how the 40-day target was determined as a result of lack of evidence. This target is not a universally expected standard for Biology Services across Canada. For example, the Ontario laboratory which processes requests for police forces located in Ontario indicated that their "goal is to report most cases within 60 days. Some offences/incidents have completion targets of 30 or 90 days." ^{Footnote 36}

The nature and complexity of biology service requests varies. A service request may include the examination of multiple exhibits, and each of those exhibits may yield multiple samples. While the number of exhibits is known when the request is submitted, the number of viable samples is only determined during evidence recovery. Further complicating the determination of level of effort required, one sample may generate the necessary results and the other samples developed will no longer need to be analyzed. LIMS data was accessed to determine the typical number of samples analyzed for a service request in each of the offense streams (Table 6). For example, on average, each homicide service request resulted in the analysis of ten samples while crimes against property service requests typically only yielded one or two samples to be analyzed.

The client Quality Assessment Questionnaires found that, while there has been a slight decline since 2012/13, the majority of clients are satisfied with the timeliness of Biology Services (Table 7). Results from the 2014/15 client questionnaires indicate that, while the majority of respondents indicated satisfaction with the timeliness, they would prefer that a more realistic turnaround time be communicated when exhibits are submitted." ^{Footnote 37}

Ten police officers representing clients were questioned regarding the importance of the 40-day service target in support of frontline policing. They outlined two general scenarios where DNA evidence is used in an investigation and how timing can impact these scenarios. In the first scenario, where the suspect is known, a DNA turnaround time of 40 days may not be significant. For example, the court date is the critical date for results to be available. A court date may take over a year to schedule and is highly unlikely to be within 40 days of laying a charge. In the second scenario, where the suspect is unknown, the timeliness of a DNA analysis would be more significant. Depending on other evidence left at the scene, the investigator may be completely reliant on DNA results to give the investigation direction including the identification of a suspect. Similarly, DNA results can also support obtaining authorization to initiate surveillance of suspects.

Given that service requests relating to certain offenses require more effort than others, and in general clients are satisfied with the current timeliness of the services, it is recommended the appropriateness of a 40-day performance target for all offence streams be reviewed.

NFLS identified three key outcomes (Appendix A) related to their core research activities:

• New technology options are validated and then implemented if testing results demonstrated effectiveness and/or efficiency gains
• New technology and/or techniques and procedures improve analysis and interpretation
• New technology and/or techniques and procedures improve processing times and/or quality/sensitivity

Since 2011/12, the RCMP's research team has implemented nine new technologies, techniques or procedures intended to improve either the efficiency or the effectiveness of biology casework analysis. Five changes to instruments or procedures were made as a result of the manufacturer no longer supporting previous ones, however these replacements did not result in an increase in efficiency or effectiveness. Six additional concepts were tested but not implemented.

Prior to implementing new technology and/or techniques and procedures, the RCMP's research team conduct rigorous academic journal reviews followed by validation exercises in the RCMP's lab. When results are positive, the team will then pilot the new technology or procedure prior to full adoption. For example, in 2014/15, a new kit for DNA analysis was introduced which can provide results that are more discerning, allowing for the analysis of more challenging samples.

In addition to validating and implementing new technology, the NFLS research and development team is also engaged in the broader forensic science research community. For example, RCMP scientists peer reviewed and published sixteen papers during the five-year reference period, as well as wrote twenty-six papers to support the improvement of internal systems, for court purposes, or to inform the development of standard operating procedures. In addition, each year research scientists participate in conferences and general meetings, including providing presentations.^{Footnote 38} NFLS continues to be aware of new technologies, and improvements of analytical processes.

3.4 Internal Factors Impacting Performance

The evaluation considered four key internal factors that support the delivery of biology casework analysis. These include: the existence and effectiveness of policies and processes; the clarity of the governance structure; the existence of a tracking system to monitor timeliness and quality of service; and the existence of a human resource strategy that ensures adequate capacity, training, timely hiring and staff retention.

Polices and Processes

The RCMP's lab operations are highly regulated with a substantial amount of oversight in order for the lab to maintain its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation.^{Footnote 39} The Standards Council of Canada is the accreditation body that annually assesses whether the RCMP is meeting the ISO standards. The accreditation assessment includes an on-site review of:^{Footnote 40}

• Control of records
• Competency of Personnel
• Accommodation and environmental conditions (including access control to the lab and secure evidence storage)
• Documentation regarding test and calibration methods and method validation
• Maintenance and calibration of equipment
• Maintenance of chain of custody records
• Monitoring of the quality of tests and results
• Reporting of Results

To support the accreditation process, the RCMP operates under a Laboratory Policies and Procedures Manual. Biology Services, also has a Discipline Policy and Procedures Manual with SOPs that are developed for each technique and type of DNA analysis. To ensure compliance, the following internal oversight functions take place:

• Annual proficiency tests of lab staff
• Annual internal audits using checklists to determine the conformance of laboratory quality operations to the elements of the quality system as described by FS&IS and required by the ISO quality standards
• Monthly Incident Reports
• Daily tracking of investigations/evaluations of incidents

The FS&IS Quality Assurance branch provides NFLS and FS&IS management with an annual report that summarizes audit findings from each lab site for each discipline. The report includes input from the Operational and Policy Managers of NFLS and from the National DNA Data Bank.^{Footnote 41} The report includes recommendations for the upcoming year as well as data collected by the Quality Assurance Branch throughout the reporting period. ^{Footnote 42}

A review of these oversight mechanisms found that the RCMP's polices, process and procedures are effectively supporting service delivery. For example, since 2011, lab staff have undergone 777 proficiency tests with a 99.5% success rate.^{Footnote 43} Also, despite an increase in volume, from 2013 to 2015 there was a decline in corrective actions identified (Table 8).^{Footnote 44}

Governance Structure

With regard to provincial influence on the governance of the RCMP lab, partners play a role through their participation on technical and advisory bodies.^{Footnote 45} Overall, the Commissioner of the RCMP is "accountable to the Federal Minister of Public Safety Canada for the direction, management and operation of the National Police Services. The Commissioner receives advice and recommendations from the National Police Services National Advisory Committee."^{Footnote 46} Other consultative bodies, such as the DNA Working Group, provide an outlet for discussion concerning challenges and opportunities.

When focus groups were completed with representatives from each of the three lab sites, participants were asked if and how the three sites work together as one lab.^{Footnote 47} Participants indicated that although the RCMP model is one lab with three sites, collaboration between sites at the working level is minimal. The majority (5/9) answered "no" when asked if the labs are uniformly managed.^{Footnote 48} Some (4/9) qualified their response by stating that while the science is uniform, there are differences at the working level and with the application of policy (i.e. SOPs).

Overall, it was noted that the RCMP lab encourages a culture of identifying and implementing efficiency gains. During the five-year reference period of the evaluation, the lab was piloting a new initiative to promote further standardization between the three lab sites and to improve workflow and efficiency through the identification of best practices.^{Footnote 49} A team lead from each of the three sites exchanged roles for a week to observe any differences in local practices. Senior management was eager to identify and implement any resultant observations.

Tracking and Monitoring

Exhibit movements are closely tracked to ensure the Chain of Custody for all exhibits is properly maintained and documented. Service requests are tracked to provide detailed performance information, and allows NFLS to determine costs. Service request information and exhibit transfer details are primarily housed in LIMS.^{Footnote 50} Each service request is provided a LIMS identification number which is used to track the case and all associated exhibits.^{Footnote 51}

Using LIMS information, a weekly dashboard is produced for management containing information on backlogs, turnaround times, service load, and the capacity of each section.^{Footnote 52} This allows management to monitor the service load and to re-direct service requests between lab sites when backlogs are detected. Half of HQ interviewees, including management, felt they had the information necessary for decision-making. One exception raised by three managers was the absence of data relating to staff availability (e.g. leave, training, etc.) preventing management from effectively forecasting lab capacity and resource requirements.

There are two types of reports that are shared with investigators and provinces/territories. Investigators are provided with results on individual service requests, and provinces/territories with quarterly or annual reports on performance and costs. Overall, investigators interviewed found the reports to be readable and understandable. The second type of reports (i.e. quarterly and annual reports) are provided to Provincial and Territorial clients in accordance with article 8.1 of the Biology Casework Analysis Agreements. These reports include:

• Number of Service Requests Received (Priority Service Requests and Routine Service Requests)
• Number of Service Requests Completed (Priority Service Requests and Routine Service Requests)
• Average turnaround time for (priority service requests and routine service requests)
• % meeting routine service standards
• % priority service requests completed within the negotiated "diary date"
• # of FTE supporting biology casework analysis
• Number of service requests by contributing agency

The evaluation found evidence that program tracking and reporting is occurring. Collecting additional HR data could further assist decision-making with regard to forecasting capacity and resource requirements.

Human Resource Strategy

As demonstrated in Table 9, FTEs declined in each of the reviewed years. At the end of fiscal year 2015/16 there were approximately 118 full time RCMP employees working on biology casework analysis.^{Footnote 53} The closures of the Halifax and Regina laboratories reduced the number of reporting scientists, most of which were experienced. This impacted the other lab sites by an increase in workload around the same time that demand began to increase (FY 2015/16).

* The Winnipeg lab site was also closed during the reference period, however, there were no FTEs for Biology Services, only administrative support staff. Numbers are likely lower than depicted as the table does not take into account parental and sick leave.

A 2016 Managerial Review Report prepared by FS&IS' Quality Assurance Branch highlights that an increase in casework combined with lab closures and declining HR capacity was a contributing factor for sites to stay on top of exhibit/DNA returns.^{Footnote 54}

To address staffing challenges, management focused on hiring practices^{Footnote 55} and developed a pro-active hiring model where a qualified candidate pool is continuously replenished.^{Footnote 56} When hired, new staff participated in an extensive, RCMP-lab developed training program ranging from 6-12 months for technologists within evidence recovery, to over a year for reporting scientists.^{Footnote 57} Thirty-five biology staff members were hired during the period under review. While this was necessary to meet future demands, it also required existing staff to dedicate time to providing training rather than casework analysis.

While FTEs declined during the reference period, the overall retention rates were positive. Analysis indicates that biology casework staff, on average, had a 90% retention rate in Edmonton, an 85% retention rate in Ottawa, and an 81% retention rate in Vancouver.^{Footnote 58} On average, biology casework staff stayed in their positions for seven years.

In 2015/16 the lab completed a Capacity Assessment to develop a proposal for hiring additional biology staff.^{Footnote 59} The assessment relied on data from FY 2014/15, and took into account several factors such as:

• How much work was each employee able to produce in a week/year?
• How often were staff available to produce work? For example, how often were they away at court? How much sick and vacation leave was used?
• Based on the advice of a demographer, how many parental leaves, extended leaves and retirements could be expected over the next three years?

The assessment found that ten additional staff (seven reporting scientists and three technicians) should be hired resulting in a total of 42 reporting scientists and 38 technologists in the evidence recovery unit.^{Footnote 60} There was however concern expressed with the training time that would be required for the ten new employees anticipated for 2016/17 and 2017/18. With already strained resources now dedicating time to teaching new employees, as well as overtime hours and private sector outsourcing at all-time highs, it will likely remain a challenge for the lab to meet the 40-day target over the next two years, especially if demand remains consistent with 2015/16 levels.

3.5 External Factors Impacting Performance

Increasing Demands

A key area of risk for the RCMP is the inability to predict demand, and to proactively adjust funding and capacity accordingly. Beginning in 2017, and in accordance with the Agreements Respecting Biology Casework Analysis, payments from the provinces and territories will be adjusted every two years based on the previous two years' actual costs. While this methodology, which is based on prior years' volumes and costs, allows the provinces and territories to budget a fixed amount for these services, it results in the RCMP having to fund and adjust for any immediate fluctuations in demand. This challenge was highlighted in 2015/16, when the lab, which was designed to support 6,500 service requests on an annual basis, processed 8,100 requests. This was a 25% increase. This surge was handled through increased levels of overtime and outsourcing to private sector labs.

An additional demand on lab personnel is the requirement for disclosure and/or testifying in court. During the 2015 calendar year, biology staff spent 1,905.5 hours or 254 days providing court testimony (including court preparation and travel time).^{Footnote 61} To reduce the time involved in meeting this demand, testimonies by videoconference are being encouraged where possible.

Quality of Service Request Submissions

Although the percentage of requests with sufficient DNA analysis increased over the five-year period examined, Lab staff indicated that improper swabbing, packaging and/or labelling by investigators requires a higher level of effort from FAC and lab staff to resolve thus impacting timelines.

Need for increased Client Awareness and Education

While certain crime scenes are attended by Forensic Investigation Services to oversee the collection and handling of exhibits, this is not always the case depending on the nature of the crime and its location. Accordingly, the lab has developed guides, instructional pamphlets, and booklets to assist investigators. Some of these resources are available electronically while others are only available in hard copy at the lab sites. While resources are available, they may not have been widely communicated to those collecting forensic evidence. For example, interviewees provided a number of suggestions for improving education and communication between the lab and clients. These suggestions included: periodic or annual conferences involving both clients and scientific personnel; providing additional materials on the types of exhibits which are most likely to provide a viable sample; and providing an online portal for submitting and tracking service requests. It is recommended that NFLS assess existing communication materials to determine the need for updating their current materials.

Although clients expressed a desire for an improved communication strategy with an education focus, police service clients (9/13) responded that the quality of communication between the lab and clients was good overall.^{Footnote 62} Good communication with the lab was generally seen as an important part of the process.

3.6 Economy

In 2014/15, Canada entered into new ten-year Biology Casework Analysis Agreements with provinces and territories for forensic DNA analysis services. The agreements fulfilled two key guiding principles of the RCMP's National Police Services' Charter,^{Footnote 63} specifically, they demonstrated a shared responsibility in the provision of services and financial sustainability.^{Footnote 64}

Prior to the new contracts being established, Biology Services had "experienced significant increases in cost and demand, without a corresponding increase in provincial and territorial payments."^{Footnote 65} As articulated in the Agreements, beginning in 2016/17 "the total annual provincial and territorial payment will be 54% of the average of the actual cost incurred by Canada during the previous two fiscal years".^{Footnote 66} This amount is to be charged to the signatory provinces and territories, based on their proportional usage of the services over the previous two years.

The total cost (Table 10) includes expenditures for the following.^{Footnote 67}

Biology Program Direct Costs: Direct costs incurred in the provision of Biology Services include Evidence Recovery, Biology Analysis, Biology Reporting, and Biology Policy and Program Support.

Activities Directly Supporting Biology: Laboratory activities directly supporting the biology program are Evidence Management, Forensic Assessment Centre (FAC), Regional Lab Administration Unit, Scientific Services, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and the National Forensic Laboratories Services office. These activities support the seven main lab services, and costs are allocated among them based on full-time equivalent (FTE) ratios. Similarly, the biology program is allocated a portion of the costs for National Quality Management, IT, and FS&IS Corporate Support based on their proportion of FTEs.

Additional Indirect Costs: Internal services include functions such as Strategic Planning and Priorities Directorate, planning, professional integrity, departmental security, communications and legal. It also includes resource management services, such as HR, financial management, information management, information technology, travel and other administrative services, and Asset Management services such as Real Property, materiel and acquisitions. The Employee Benefit Plan is also included in this cost.

Private Sector Costs: when demand exceeds the lab's HR capacity, service requests are outsourced. These costs, included in the overall lab expenditures, have varied from approximately $1.1M in 2011/12, to $2.7M in 2015/16 as shown in Table 11.

Six Management and NFLS support interviewees were asked if the current costing-sharing model was appropriate and sustainable. All indicated that it supports financial sustainability and improves predictability. In addition, the decision to split the costs based on prior years' usage rates, as per the BCA Agreements, allows provinces and territories to plan their budget accordingly. Both the RCMP and provinces/territories worked at containing costs by limiting demand to those exhibits most likely to answer the forensic questions, and for the RCMP by containing the costs associated with the biology casework analysis. When annual biology casework cost was divided by the number of samples received each year, the cost per sample was lowest in 2015/16 at approximately $847.67 a sample (Table 12).

*Includes cost of samples processed by the RCMP Labs as well as the Private Lab

Homicides service requests are typically more expensive than other types of requests (Table 13) since homicides often require the analysis of more samples as demonstrated in Table 6.

*The average cost per service request was determined, by multiplying the cost per sample by the average number of samples per request as documented in table 11. The annual average cost per service request does not take into account the level of effort required for each stream (i.e. homicides will result in more samples being processed than crimes against property)

While costs were lowest in 2015/16, this was also the year when the lab was least able to meet the 40-day turnaround target.

4. Conclusions and Recommendations

Over the five-year period examined, the demand for BCA remained relatively stable for the first four years of the Agreements with a 25% increase in service requests in 2015/16. The evaluation found that the increase in crime rates as well as legislative changes contributed to this increase in demand.

The BCA Agreements between the provinces/territories and the RCMP have contributed to the financial sustainability and predictability of the Program.

The provision of biology casework analysis is aligned with the mandate of the RCMP. The roles and responsibilities of clients, NFLS Headquarters and lab sites are well documented and operating within the same Standard Operating Procedures and quality assurance processes.

The NFLS research and development team validates and implements new technologies as well as actively engages in the broader forensic science research community. The intention is for research activities to support improvements in efficiency and/or effectiveness, however, the evaluation did not assess these areas in their analysis.

It was noted that on average, the 40-day target was achieved almost half the time (47%) for routine requests. Priority requests, with a negotiated timeline, were achieved 91% of the time. Although the lab continued to utilize alternative mechanisms such as overtime and private sector contracting to address the 2015/16 increase in demand, the achievement of combined routine and priority requests fell from 50% in 2014/15 to 43% in 2015/16. While the majority of clients are satisfied with the timeliness of Biology Services, it was unclear as to how the 40-day target was determined given the varying nature and complexity of requests.

There were several internal and external factors that impacted the Program's performance. With regard to internal factors, RCMPs lab policies, processes, procedures and governance structures supported program delivery. The evaluation also found performance information is available to assist management decision-making. With regard to external factors, the evaluation noted increased demands, quality of service request submissions, and a need for increased client awareness and education as impacting program performance.

Based on the findings of the evaluation, evaluators recommend that NFLS complete the following activities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of biology casework analysis:

Recommendation #1: NFLS, in collaboration with clients, establish a service target that considers a balance between timeliness and cost of service to establish achievable diary dates.

Recommendation #2: NFLS assess existing communication materials targeted to the needs of police services and prosecutors, to determine if updates are required.

5. Management Response and Action Plan

Management Response

NFLS agrees with the recommendation that it should establish a service standard(s). Guided by business intelligence related to performance and internal capacity, NFLS will engage with client/stakeholders in the upcoming year to establish standard(s) that best meets all needs.

NFLS agrees with the recommendation that it should assess existing communication materials targeted to the needs of police services and prosecutors, to determine if updates are required.

Action Plan

Date de modification :

1969-12-31