With DNA profiling and new laws, police are better able to solve crimes, even crimes committed years earlier. This timely program traces the development of DNA profiling in forensic science and shows how effective it is in identifying criminals. It also brings up the ethical issues raised by civil libertarians.

In 1977, in a small town in British Columbia, twelve-year-old Caroline Lee was raped and murdered. The only clue were tire tracks from a Chevy Blazer. The only suspect passed a lie detector test and could not be prosecuted.

Meanwhile in Birmingham England, Sir Francis Galton was developing the DNA fingerprint. From blood and saliva samples, a DNA profile could now be used to establish identity. From the clothes Caroline wore at the time of her death, samples of DNA could be analyzed. Twenty-one years after the murder, the original suspect, a local foundry worker, was brought to trial and convicted.

In 1998 the U.S established a databank for violent crimes. Now a drop of blood, a flake of dandruff, or a single hair can be matched against the DNA of criminals convicted of violent crimes anywhere. One does not need a suspect. The computer searches the database. From state to state there are variations on how this is implemented.

By identifying perpetrators, criminals are brought to justice and victims who have lived in fear may breathe more easily.

"By assembling its story like a puzzle, this examination often plays like a detective novel." Booklist
"Overall, the video is highly informative and accurate…" Science Books & Films

Silver Chris Award, Columbus International Film & Video Festival, 1999