The French National Genetic Prints File FNAEG is a French police file that collects DNA samples taken from individuals or from crime clues. It contributes to allow law enforcement agencies to solve criminal investigations by comparing the DNA of suspects with that found on crime clues.
The FNAEG is managed by the National Gendarmerie Criminal Research Institute (IRCGN), which is responsible for collecting, analyzing and storing the DNA samples taken in the context of criminal investigations.
DNA samples can be taken from individuals, such as suspects or victims, or from crime clues, such as hair, fibers or blood traces.
The FNAEG is a very useful tool for investigators. Indeed, it allows to link crime clues to individuals and to solve investigations that could otherwise remain unsolved.
However, the FNAEG has also sparked debates on privacy issues and respect for human dignity, as it allows storing and processing DNA samples of people who have not been convicted. Legal and regulatory provisions have been put in place to frame the use of the FNAEG and guarantee the protection of privacy of the people concerned.
What data is recorded in the FNAEG?
The French National Genetic Prints File (FNAEG) records several types of data concerning the DNA samples taken in the context of criminal investigations:
General information: the FNAEG records general information about each DNA sample, such as the sample identification number, the date of collection, the place of collection and the type of collection.
Genetic data: the FNAEG records all the genetic information contained in the DNA of each sample, that is the order of the nitrogenous bases that form the DNA molecule. This information is analyzed and stored as a genetic profile, which is a kind of "genetic identity card" unique to each individual.
Investigation-related data: the FNAEG also records information about the criminal investigations in which the DNA samples were taken, such as the investigation number, the type of crime and the name of the investigators in charge of the investigation.
The FNAEG is a confidential police file, and only authorized investigators have access to the data recorded there.
The data is kept for a maximum period of 30 years, except in the case of criminal conviction, in which case they are kept indefinitely.
How to know if you are known to the FNAEG file?
It is possible to know if you are known to the French National Genetic Prints File (FNAEG) by requesting a copy of your judicial police file (FIPJ).
The FIPJ is a police file that brings together all the information on people who have been involved in criminal investigations, such as suspects or witnesses. If you have been involved in a criminal investigation and you have been taken for a DNA test, your genetic information and the information related to the investigation will be recorded in the FNAEG and will appear in your FIPJ.
To request a copy of your FIPJ, you must contact the central direction of the judicial police (DCPJ), which is in charge of managing the FIPJ. You can make your request by mail or online on the DCPJ website. You must provide a copy of your identification and a recent identity photo, as well as a letter in which you explain the reasons for your request. The DCPJ will send you a copy of your FIPJ in a confidential envelope in the weeks following your request.
It is important to note that only authorized persons have access to FNAEG and FIPJ data.
The information contained in these files is not accessible to the general public and can only be used in the context of criminal investigations or judicial proceedings.
Can I request data deletion? If yes how?
Yes, it is possible to request the deletion of data contained in the French National Genetic Prints File (FNAEG) if you can justify a legitimate interest in having your data deleted.
To request the deletion of your data from the FNAEG, you must contact the National Gendarmerie Criminal Research Institute (IRCGN), which is in charge of managing the file. You can make your request by mail or online on the IRCGN website. You must provide a copy of your identification and a letter in which you explain the reasons for your request and your legitimate interest in having your data deleted.
It is important to note that the deletion of FNAEG data is not automatic and the decision to delete or not your data depends on the IRCGN. If your request is accepted, your data will be deleted from the FNAEG and will no longer be used in the context of criminal investigations or judicial proceedings. However, it is possible that your data have been recorded in other police files, and that they cannot be deleted.
It is recommended to make a request for deletion of FNAEG data if you have been involved in a criminal investigation and you have not been convicted, or if you feel that your data have been recorded in the file in an irregular or abusive manner.
If you are criminally convicted, your data will remain recorded in the FNAEG indefinitely.
It is important to note that the deletion of FNAEG data does not guarantee the deletion of all information about you in police files. If your data have been recorded in other police files, such as the National Driver's License File (FNPC), it is recommended to make a deletion request to these files as well.
I recommend you to inquire with the IRCGN and the DCPJ to know how to make a request for deletion of FNAEG data and other police files. It is also recommended to consult a lawyer or a legal advisor to help you make your request and defend your rights.