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THE UK POLICE NATIONAL DNA DATABASE
GeneWatch a not-for-profit group that monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective.
GeneWatch believes people should have a voice in whether or how these technologies are used and campaigns for safeguards for people, animals and the environment.
We work on all aspects of genetic technologies - from GM crops and foods to genetic testing of humans.
The group has many concerns about the Police National DNA Database.
We believe the law should be changed and that more public debate is needed to determine the appropriate balance between crime detection, human rights and privacy.
We think that there are important changes that can be made to safeguard privacy and rights without compromising the use of DNA in fighting crime.
GeneWatch's Position Statement
GeneWatch believes that DNA can be an important tool in criminal investigations.
We are not opposed to the existence of a DNA Database.
However, we oppose the current law and practice in England and Wales because:
it allows the permanent retention of DNA samples and records from anyone arrested for virtually any offence, regardless of whether they are charged or convicted;
uses of the Database are not adequately documented or controlled;
legislation has been rushed through without adequate public or parliamentary debate, in a political context where there are increasing concerns about a growing police state or surveillance society;
it will not make a significant difference to the detection of serious crime.
The law in England and Wales goes much further than in any other country and similar proposals to keep the DNA of innocent people permanently were recently rejected by the Scottish Parliament.
GeneWatch believes the law should be changed and that more public debate is needed to determine the appropriate balance between crime detection, human rights and privacy.
We think that there are important changes that can be made to safeguard privacy and rights without compromising the use of DNA in fighting crime.
These include:
A policy of time limits on the retention of people's DNA profiles on the Database, related to the seriousness of the offence and whether a person has been convicted (similar to the original policy adopted when the Database was set up in 1995).
A policy on retention would limit the potential for future governments to misuse the data to restrict people's rights and freedoms.
A public debate is needed to establish the details of who should be on the Database and for how long.;
Destroying individuals' DNA samples once an investigation is complete, after the DNA profiles used for identification have been obtained.
This would limit the potential for personal genetic information to be revealed in future, as science, technology and new policies develop;
An end to the practice of allowing companies to undertake controversial genetic research using the Database (which has included attempts to link DNA profiles with ethnicity).
This practice breaches ethical requirements for informed consent to genetic research;
A return to the previous policy of taking DNA on charge, rather than arrest, except when the sample is needed to investigate the specific crime for which a person has been arrested.
This would reinstate an important safeguard against the collection of DNA profiles reflecting discriminatory policing;
the creation of an independent, transparent and accountable governing body.
Please join our campaign.
If you have had your DNA taken by the police, ask for your record to be removedfrom the database – use our guide
http://tinyurl.com/qb868 to help you.
Write to your MP - use the points in our position statement and the GW briefings to compose your letter.
Use the http://theyworkforyou.com website to find our MP
Ed: Many thanks to Greenwatch for this article.www.genewatch.org
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