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Familial DNA collection program in Broken Hill

Family members of missing persons in Broken Hill are encouraged to provide DNA samples to help NSW Police find long-term missing persons.

The familial DNA collection program will be in town next Wednesday, June 29.

Missing Persons Registry (MPR) Commander, Detective Inspector Glen Browne, said the more DNA samples available for comparison, the greater the chance of matching a family and providing answers.

“The success of the program relies on collecting as many familial DNA samples as possible so they can be matched against DNA profiles obtained from unidentified bodies and human remains,” Mr Browne said.

Familial DNA samples are provided via buccal swab and are only compared against missing person databases in Australia.

“My team at the MPR is determined to see this technology be used to provide answers to loved ones of long-term missing persons, so if that is you, come forward and provide a DNA sample,” Mr Browne said.

More than 100 biological relatives gave DNA samples in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Nowra and Merimbula last year.

Police compared these samples against profiles of all unidentified bodies and human remains in NSW.

Police also talk with family members at the collection centre to try and capture as much other data and information about people’s missing relatives so that they can upload the information into the National Missing Persons Victim System (VOLMPU) database.

“This is a simple, quick action that can result in a lifetime of closure for someone who has lost a loved one and spent years asking why,” The Deputy Premier and Minister for Police, Paul Toole said.

The DNA collection centre will be operating next Wednesday between 10.30am and 3.00pm at the State Office Block (Aboriginal Land Council) on Level 2, 32 Sulphide Street, Broken Hill.

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