DNA IS A VITAL TOOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

05/01/10

Parliament is debating public concerns about the retention of people’s DNA profiles with a view to making a new law governing DNA. Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney says the DNA database has helped solve serious crimes and he advises caution in the changes that are made:

“Without DNA evidence, thousands of crimes would go unsolved and many serious and dangerous criminals would be walking our streets. Between 1998 and March 2009, DNA evidence helped solve over 304,000 crimes. Last year, there were 252 homicides and 580 rapes with a DNA scene-subject match. Of these, 70 of the homicides and 168 of the rapes were detected because a DNA match was available.

“Public concern tends to focus on the retention on the DNA database of profiles obtained from individuals who are not charged with any offence. Their DNA may have been taken because they were arrested and taken to a police station but no further action followed.

“In these cases, there are genuine issues to consider about whether to retain the DNA profile at all and if so for how long. The Government is proposing to retain DNA for as long as it is necessary in the interests of public protection whilst balancing this consideration against the rights of individuals who object to indefinite retention of their DNA profiles.

“So the proposal under consideration in Parliament now is an automatic deletion after 6 years for adults arrested for any offence and after three years for children. In the case of 16-17 year olds arrested for serious offences, the profile would be retained for 6 years, not three.

“If constituents have a view about this important subject, now is the time to let me know. Parliament is considering this issue and will change the law. I am keen to ensure that any constituents with strong views about this will have an opportunity for their voices to be heard before a final decision is made.”