Permanent retention of DNA samples by the Police

A series of changes to the law have meant that the police may now retain the DNA profiles and samples of anyone who is arrested (whether or not they are later charged and convicted) on suspicion of committing a recordable offence. The national DNA Database now includes the personal data of over 1 million people, including over 100,000 children, never charged with any crime.

I think we all recognise that the DNA database can be a powerful tool in fighting crime but I am worried about the fact that so many law-abiding people are being included in the DNA recording process. I believe that the Government must be far more open about this. If they want a database which has the details of everyone, not just criminals, they need to come to Parliament with a proposal and debate it urgently. I am pressing the Home Secretary on this.

March 2008