DNA database: New changes

The Government has made a new commitment to destroy millions of samples of innocent citizens DNA from the national criminal database.

Ministers have confirmed that rules around whose genetic fingerprints are stored will be radically altered as part of moves to restore traditional liberties. 

Under previous laws police could take a swab of DNA from any suspect and hold on to it indefinitely. 

This procedure led to samples taken from innocent people and kept  on the database, even when suspects were cleared in court, or even if police admitted they had made a mistake. 

Campaigners were also suspicious that samples were being taken in order to obtain DNA profiles and increase the numbers with their genetic data on record.

But the Government has now announced changes to the regulations around whose DNA could be retained. 

New rules that those arrested, but not convicted, of minor crimes such as low-level assault will have their DNA profile deleted. And those who are arrested under suspicion for serious crimes will have their DNA held for three years, with the requirement of a judge’s approval required to store it for a further two years. 

Last Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the Bill would result in an ‘unprecedented rolling back of the power of the State’.

Matilda MacAttram of Black Mental Health UK has been at the forefront of DNA campaigning said; “DNA samples of innocent people have been taken from every section of the UK’s African Caribbean community including children. BMH UK’s three year campaign calling for the removal of innocent DNA from the criminal database brought to the nation’s attention that 42% of the entire black male population and 77% of all young black men are profiled on the database, even though people from this group are less likely to commit a crime than their white counterparts.

“The previous Labour government allowed the DNA samples of innocent people to be stored on the criminal database indefinitely. Those profiled on this database are automatically treated as a suspect in any future crime and can also be turned down for a visa or a job

“This Bill has effectively brought a halt to practices that have criminalised the whole of Black Britain. We welcome the planned changes but are aware that this Bill is only a start. We need to ensure that what this Government has committed to, does result in the restorations of our most basic rights and freedoms.”

Winsome-Grace Cornish