Charles Christacopoulos on 23 July 2004 at 13:42 said:-
> Police to retain DNA records of cleared suspects ... article
> in The Register
Have now had the opportunity to have a quick look.
From memory this is the implementation of some legislation from some years
ago. As I recall any DNA sample given to the police may be retained
indefinitely, (was not a driving agent the cost of analysis?). I suppose
the very large DNA analysis backlog was cleared some time ago, after the law
was passed, so that database should be beginning to expand.
The fraught police have often struggled to grasp DP, with their focus more
on self control and allied to security, as with many organisations, comfort
comes with great data holdings. There was never as much recognition that
accountability followed a similar route, although resistance to audit trails
could always indicate some awareness.
The sad Huntley debacle, comments and disputes may be seen by some in a
slightly different light, as this is not new law spilling out of this
particular case.
One thought which occurred to me was how much more difficult it could
eventually become to obtain DNA samples voluntarily. The changes in the law
to allow the forcible taking of samples could be a reflection of that
thought also occurring elsewhere. I guess eventually it will make economic
sense to test babes at or before birth, as the cost of analysis is bound to
fall with improvements in technology, or other benefits being perceived.
Ian W
> -----Original Message-----
> From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection
> issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Charles Christacopoulos
> Sent: 23 July 2004 13:42
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Police to retain DNA records of cleared suspects
>
>
> Hi,
>
> Police to retain DNA records of cleared suspects ... article
> in The Register
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/07/23/police_dna_retention/
>
> Enjoy (if you can)
>
> Regards
> Charles
>
> --
> Charles Christacopoulos, Management Information Officer,
> Planning & Information, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN,
> Scotland, United Kingdom. Tel: 44(0)1382-344891. Fax:
> 44(0)1382-348845.
> http://www.somis.dundee.ac.uk/ ::egothor http://www.egothor.org/
>
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