DNA Test – The DNA Database Debate
As the national DNA database debate heats up – should you be worried about the police doing a DNA test on you?
According to the Home Office, the national DNA database is a key police intelligence tool. A simple DNA test can be used to help:
- Identify offenders fast
- Apprehend offenders earlier
- Convict more offenders
DNA Test – Forensic Evidence
A DNA test is hard evidence that can link a criminal to a crime scene with a simple DNA sample - a mouth swab for instance. These samples are collated onto a national database. It is the largest database of its kind in the world – it’s possible to do a DNA test on 5.2% of the population. There are just 0.5% on America’s DNA database. Although the majority of DNA profiles are those of active offenders, there are also innocent citizens on the database too.
DNA Test – An Effective Tool
But the DNA test is proving to be such an effective tool in the fight against crime that the database is continuing to receive investment – it is in fact according to the Home Office ‘one of the government’s top priorities’ with an investment of over £300 million in five years.
DNA Samples v. Personal Privacy
The database however is overseen by the Human Genetics Commission. There are concerns that innocent peoples' DNA profiles are stored on the database. This is because the law states that DNA samples can by taken from anyone arrested and detained in a police station – even if they are acquitted. It’s believed that the effectiveness of the DNA test in forensic crime outweights any intrusion on pesonal privacy.
- 45,000 crimes were matched against records on the DNA database using a simple DNA test in 2005, including 433 homicides and 645 rapes
- Around 3.4 million peoiple have their DNA stored on police databases
DNA Test – The ‘Big Brother’ Database
It’s clear that the DNA test and DNA database are important police tools. But campaigners are arguing that innocent peoples' DNA should not be held indefinitely on the database. Their objections revolve around issues of principle around the civil liberties agenda and equalities. There are also fallibility issues – fears of misuse, abuse and security around the DNA information. However, surveillance is at the top of the agenda for many Western governments as a result of Islamic terrorist attacks.
International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA test services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA test at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.
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