The UK Police National DNA Database
GeneWatch has many concerns about the Police National DNA Database.
We believe the law should be changed to make the Database much smaller and more carefully controlled. 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.
Please join our campaign
- Contact your council and local Police Authority and ask them to develop a new policy on DNA retention. You can find contact details for your Police Authority here. Their website will include a list of members, including local councillors, information about when they meet and their procedures for listening to your views. Use the GeneWatch briefing to help you.
- Visit or write to your MP - use the points in our position statement and the GW briefings to compose your letter. Use the 'they work for you' website to find your MP.
- If you have had your DNA taken by the police, ask for your record to be removed from the database - use our guide to help you.
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Black Mental Health UK has launched a campaign calling for innocent mental health patients to be removed from the Database. You can sign their petition here.
The Liberal Democrats have also launched a petition calling on the Government to remove innocent people's DNA from the police database. It can be signed at: 'Protect innocent people's DNA'.
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics held a consultation and published a report in September 2007, calling for innocent people to be removed from the Database.
In 2007, the Home Office proposed further expanding the National DNA Database by taking DNA on arrest for dropping litter in shopping centres. Read more about the proposals and responses to the Home Office consultation here, including serious concerns from the police.
The Home Office has since told the Home Affairs Committee that it will hold a consultation about the DNA Database later this year. In its surveillance society report, the Committee calls for a new regulatory framework for the Database, the correction of inaccuracies in data, consultation to clarify the purposes and processes of DNA colection and retention, and primary legislation to allow full parliamentary scrutiny of the new framework. The Committee also concludes that a more accessible mechanism by which individuals can challenge retention of their records is needed, and the need to retain biological samples should be reviewed.
Introduction
The UK police now have more DNA samples than any other country. Over 6% of the UK's population is on the National DNA database compared to Austria, which has the 2nd largest proportion of the population on its police database at just over 1%. Although the assumption is that by holding the DNA profiles of more individuals on the database, more crimes will be solved, there is no evidence to support this. However, evidence of abuse of the information held on the police database is increasing, including its use for controversial genetic research without consent.
Since April 2004, the police in England and Wales have been able to take DNA samples without consent from anyone arrested on suspicion of any recordable offence. Recordable offences include begging, being drunk and disorderly and taking part in an illegal demonstration. Both DNA profiles (the string of numbers used for identification purposes) and DNA samples (which contain unlimited genetic information), are kept permanently, even if the person arrested is never charged or is acquitted. A massive expansion in the number of individuals on the Database has not led to any noticable increase in the likelihood of identifying a suspect. GeneWatch believes the current practices are wrong and has a number of concerns about the governance of the database.
In Scotland the law is different and DNA cannot be kept permanently from innocent people. However, DNA from people convicted of relatively minor offences such as Breach of the Peace can be kept for life.
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.
What you can do.
About a million people who have not been convicted of any offence, including at least a hundred thousand children, are now on the National DNA Database. Many others have been acquitted or have been convicted of relatively minor offences (including begging, being drunk and disorderly, or taking part in an illegal demonstration) but will remain on the Database for life. Their DNA samples will be kept permanently and may be used for controversial genetic research without their consent.
If you are on the Database, the current law removes your right to have your DNA and associated records destroyed, although this is being challenged in the European Court of Human Rights. However, the Home Office has stated that the Chief Constable of the police force which arrested you does have the discretion to order the removal of your record and destruction of your DNA. If you feel strongly that your DNA is being wrongly retained, it is important to write to the relevant Chief Constable, contact your MP and, if you want publicity, to talk to your local press. The Home Office has already noted that an increasing number of people are requesting removal of their records and is trying to restrict removal to "exceptional cases". The law is likely to be changed only if enough people stand up for their rights.
If your DNA is not on the database but you agree that changes are needed to the policy on DNA retention on the database, it is also important that you write to your MP and the press to raise the issue.
Find out more on our 'reclaim your DNA' page
Recent Articles
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Briefing: How many innocent children are being added to the National DNA Database?
22nd May 2007Briefing by GeneWatch UK and Action on Rights for Children. Based on Home Office figures we calculate that at least 100,000 innocent 10-17 year-olds are on the DNA Database.
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GeneWatch UK submission to the Home Affairs Committee Inquiry "A surveillance society?"
26th April 2007 -
Briefing note for MPs, MSPs, AMs & MLAs. DNA: proposed expansions of powers
26th March 2007 -
in MP BriefingsBriefing for Councillors and Police Authorities: Police retention of DNA
23rd February 2007 -
The Police National Database Card
14th December 2006 -
The Police National DNA Database Leaflet
14th December 2006 -
Submission to Home Office consultation on standard setting and quality regulation in forensic science
19th October 2006
Resources
- Press releases
- GeneWatch PR: Response to PM's 'Security and Liberty' speech 17th June 2008
- GeneWatch PR: Response to MPs' surveillance society report 8th June 2008
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch response to the Nuffield report on forensic use of DNA 18th September 2007
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch response to calls to expand the National DNA Database 5th September 2007
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch welcomes citizens' inquiry into police use of DNA 2nd August 2007
- GeneWatch PR: Stitch-up of DNA law in Northern Ireland will undermine trust in policing 1st June 2007
- GeneWatch & ARCH PR: Over 100,000 innocent young people now on the National DNA Database 22nd May 2007
- GeneWatch PR: Citizens or suspects? GeneWatch response to the launch of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics' consultation on police use of DNA 1st November 2006
- GeneWatch PR: Police DNA database out of control, concludes new GeneWatch investigation 16th July 2006
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch UK response to Scottish Parliament's vote on police retention of DNA. 25th May 2006
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch response to new proposals for police retention of DNA in Scotland. 22nd May 2006
- GeneWatch PR: Misleading benefits claimed for police retention of innocent people's DNA, says new GeneWatch report 27th February 2006
- GeneWatch PR: GeneWatch UK response to the Science and Technology Committee report 'Forensic Science on Trial' 29th March 2005
- GeneWatch PR: Police DNA database needs stronger safeguards for privacy and human rights 12th January 2005
- GeneWatch reports and briefings
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GeneWatch briefing: Would 114 murderers have walked away?
27th June 2008
- The National DNA Database: Q&A 22nd May 2008
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (April 2008) 21st May 2008
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (March 2008) 20th May 2008
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (February 2008) 1st March 2008
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Ten myths about the police National DNA Database
28th February 2008
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (January 2007) 1st February 2008
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (November 2007) 1st December 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (October 2007) 5th November 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (Sept 2007) 16th October 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (July 2007) 1st August 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (June 2007) 31st July 2007
- GeneWatch UK submission to the Constitution Committee's consultation on surveillance 14th June 2007
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Briefing for the Northern Ireland Policing Board: Police Retention of DNA from Northern Ireland
1st June 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (May 2007) 31st May 2007
- GeneWatch UK submission to the Home Office consultation "Modernising Police Powers" 31st May 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (April 2007) 23rd May 2007
- Briefing: How many innocent children are being added to the National DNA Database? 22nd May 2007
- GeneWatch UK submission to the Home Affairs Committee Inquiry "A surveillance society?" 26th April 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (March 2007) 2nd April 2007
- Briefing note for MPs, MSPs, AMs & MLAs. DNA: proposed expansions of powers 26th March 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (February 2007) 6th March 2007
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Briefing for Councillors and Police Authorities: Police retention of DNA
23rd February 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (January 2007) 21st February 2007
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MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No.7 - The National DNA Database: an update
25th January 2007
- GeneWatch UK submission to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics' consultation on forensic use of bioinformation 9th January 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (November 2006) 7th January 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (December 2006) 7th January 2007
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (December 2005 to September 2006) 7th November 2006
- Parliamentary Questions: Forensic DNA (October 2006) 7th November 2006
- Submission to Home Office consultation on standard setting and quality regulation in forensic science 19th October 2006
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MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 6 - The Police National DNA Database: an update
18th July 2006
- Using the police National DNA Database - under adequate control? 18th July 2006
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The DNA Expansion Programme: reporting real achievement?
27th February 2006
- MSPs' Briefing - Police Retention of DNA 9th February 2006
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Briefing 31: THE POLICE NATIONAL DNA DATABASE: Human rights and privacy
1st June 2005
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MPs' Briefing: Human Genetics No. 5 - The Police DNA database: balancing crime detection and human rights
1st January 2005
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The Police National DNA Database: Balancing Crime Detection, Human Rights and Privacy.
1st January 2005
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GeneWatch briefing: Would 114 murderers have walked away?
- Newspaper articles and other external links
- The Telegraph: MPs must act now to set limits on snooping (9th June 2008)
- Home Affairs Committee Report: A Surveillance Society? (Vol I)
- Home Affairs Committee report: A Surveillance Society? (Vol II: Evidence)
- Reuters: Watchdog criticises plan to share DNA data (15th May 2008)
- The Guardian: The scandal of 'criminalising' mental health patients (12th May 2008)
- The Telegraph: DNA bank solves one crime per 800 profiles (6th May 2008)
- Washington Post: US to expand collection of crime suspects' DNA (17th April 2008)
- BBC Online: DNA technique 'fit for purpose' (11th April 2008)
- The Sunday Mirror: 40,000 kids put on DNA crimes list (6th April 2008)
- The Observer: Put young children on DNA list urge police (16th March 2008)
- The Daily Mail: 1.5m children will have DNA taken next year amid claims of universal database 'by stealth' (9th March 2008)
- Computing: Met police chief calls for European DNA database (5th March 2008)
- Black Mental Health UK: Sarah Teather tells House of Commons DNA database discriminates (1st March 2008)
- The Times: CCTV and DNA advances add to bills but minister calls rises unacceptable (28th February 2008)
- The Guardian: Mixed results (28th February)
- New Statesman: Spare pairs of genes (28th February 2008)
- The Daily Mail: One in eight samples filed under innocent names in Government blunder (27th February 2008)
- Public Technology: Home Office Minister rejects call for a national citizen DNA database (25th February 2008)
- The Daily Mail: Police in retreat after public backlash over their demands for a DNA database (25th February 2008)
- The Daily Mail; Home Office retreat from plans to extend 'nation of suspects' DNA database to include litterbugs (24th February 2008)
- The Sunday Times: Should Britain have a compulsory DNA database? (24th February 2008)
- The Glasgow Herald: Police: we must keep DNA of everyone arrested (23rd February 2008)
- The Guardian: Calls for compulsory DNA database rejected (23rd February 2008)
- The Guardian: Inquiry as Tories attack DNA failure (21st February 2008)
- The Times: Gordon Brown admits assaults committed while DNA data disc lost (20th February 2008)
- The Times: Disc listing foreign criminals lost for a year (20th February 2008)
- The Guardian: Stop! Armed police! Put down your MP3 player (13th February 2008)
- BBC Online: Clegg attacks surveillance UK (6th February 2008)
- Daily Mail: Big Brother UK: Police now hold DNA 'fingerprints' of 4.5 million Britons (5th November 2007)
- The Telegraph: Police retain DNA of 'petty crime suspects' (5th November 2007)
- The Times: Police told to erase 'irrelevant' crime records (1st November 2007)
- The Times: Policing the gene pool (29th Sept 2007)
- The Economist: Learning to live with Big Brother (27th Sept 2007)
- Nature: Genome abuse (26th Sept 2007)
- The Times: DNA database 'puts innocent under suspicion' (18th Sept 2007)
- The Register: Innocent 'terror techie' purges DNA records (17th Sept 2007)
- The Times: Inside the world where experts try to unlock DNA clues (15th Sept 2007)
- Evening Standard: Outrage as DNA profile of seven-month old baby is added to DNA database (15th Sept 2007)
- Daily Mail: Innocent people's DNA 'must not be kept on national database' (10th Sept 2007)
- Computer Weekly: DNA plan would require SAN the size of Belgium (11th Sept 2007)
- The Scotsman: Judge opens hornets' nest with call for everyone's DNA to go on record (6th Sept 2007)
- Evening Standard: Ministers accused of trying to build DNA database by stealth (5th Sept 2007)
- BBc Online: DNA database call prompts concern (5th Sept 2007)
- BBC Online: All UK 'must be on DNA database' (5th Sept 2007)
- Daily Mail: Government accused on DNA samples (2nd August 2007)
- The Guardian: Police may be given powers to take DNA samples on the street (2nd August 2007)
- Evening Standard: Speeding drivers face DNA swabs under Big Brother powers (1st August 2007)
- The Times: Police want DNA from speeding drivers and litterbugs on database (2nd August 2007)
- The Telegraph: Litter lout DNA samples a step too far (2nd August 2007)
- The Independent: Police DNA database 'risks criminalising non-offenders' (2nd August 2007)
- The National DNA Database Annual Report 2005/06
- The Observer: Civil rights fears over DNA for everyone (27th May 2007)
- Daily Mail: Police put 100,000 innocent children on DNA Database (23rd May 2007)
- The Telegraph: DNA file on 100,000 innocent children
- The Guardian: 'Orwellian' CCTV in shires alarms senior police officer (21st May 2001)
- The Guardian: Plan to identify potential offenders condemned (21st May)
- The Telegraph: DNA police revisit high profile murder cases (19th May 2007)
- The Independent: DNA database blunder 'could have resulted in 200 crimes' (18th May 2007)
- The Northern Echo: Peer calls for babies' DNA to be stored
- BBC Online: DNA failings 'missed 183 crimes' (17th May 2007)
- The Argus: Youths warned not to use fake ID (17th May 2007)
- The Guardian: A database of prejudice (15th May 2007)
- EDP-24 (Norfolk): Car crime victims must foot the bill (10th May 2007)
- Daily Mail: Fears over innocent Britons' DNA being given to European police forces (9th May)
- Black Information Link: Chained by our genes (3rd May 2007)
- Computer World: EU police data-sharing plan draws criticism (19th April 2007)
- Mail on Sunday: Five civil servants suspended over 'DNA espionage' (1st April 2007)
- Home Affairs Committee Inquiry: "A surveillance society?"
- Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire cases to test DNA sampling policy (31st March 2007)
- The Guardian: Every child to be screened for risk of turning criminal under Blair justice plan (28th March 2007)
- BBC Online: 'Retail jails' could ease police burden (15th March 2007)
- Modernising police powers consultation
- The Telegraph: DNA data deal 'will create big brother Europe' (18th February 2007)
- The Voice: Mayor urged to support DNA profiling curb (9th February 2007)
- The Sunday Times: Reid 'buries' news that police hold DNA of 1m innocent people (17th December 2006)
- The Independent: DNA of suspects' families to be held on police files (26th November 2006)
- The Telegraph: Three in four young black men on the DNA database (5th November 2006)
- BBC Online: Fear that DNA use 'gone too far' (1st November 2006)
- The Observer: Police DNA database is 'spiraling out of control' by Antony Barnett (16th July 2006)
- The National DNA Database Annual Report 2004/05
- Forensic DNA Databasing: A European Perspective - A report from Durham University (June 2005)
- The Independent: More Britons have DNA held by police than rest of world (14th April 2006)
- The National DNA Database Annual Report 2004/05
- The Telegraph: Huge rise in juvenile DNA samples kept by the police
- The Telegraph: Freedom fears as the DNA database expands
- The Guardian: DNA of 37% of black men held by police
- DNA Expansion Programme 2000–2005: Reporting achievement
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Website of the Scottish Executive
Read the original consultation document, the responses and the Scottish Executive's report.
- The Scotsman article: Keep DNA of innocent and guilty alike
- The Voice: 1 in 3 black men are DNA profiled
- New Scientist: Will DNA profiling fuel prejudice?
- The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's report on forensics, 2005 (main report)
- The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's report on forensics, 2005 (evidence)
- BBC Online: DNA database Big Brother warning
- The National DNA Database Annual Report 2003/04
- Genetic Information and Crime Investigation - an academic report
- The National DNA Database Annual Report 2002/03
