inside dna A GENOMIC REVOLUTION

My DNA: Innocent or guilty?

posted 29-Apr-2008

Four million DNA profiles are currently on the UK's National DNA database.

DNA evidence is increasingly used as a tool to identify criminals. DNA samples can be taken from people arrested for a crime or obtained from crime scenes.

Information obtained from DNA samples - DNA profiles - are stored in the national DNA database. Police can then compare crime scene profiles with those on the database. A match could lead police to a suspect although this alone isn't enough to prove someone guilty.

Some argue that DNA databases are a vital tool in crime detection allowing police to identify even those criminals who have remained at large for years.

However others are concerned arguing that your DNA is yours and should be totally private to you. The DNA database also has an over-representation of young people as well as black and minority ethnic groups on it. Plus anyone arrested but later released can remain on the database.

Sir Alec Jeffreys describes the UK DNA database and the ethical issues the current system raises

Flash required to play video

Download captions

Would you mind your DNA profile being on the National DNA Database?

Most Recent Comments Readers Recommended

Megz

Personally, I see no problem in having my DNA in the police forces database. At the same time I think if the police recieve a report on a perticular person covicted of crimes that they should have their DNA to test on. I see my
personal DNA no use to them. However, it maybe in the future. Hope not :P

Posted : 26-Aug-2010

Rate Comment | Report Comment

SARAH

It worries me that someone/anyone arrested for a minor crime such as failing to buy a train ticket will have their dna on file forever.

Posted : 25-Aug-2010

Rate Comment | Report Comment

Jessica

I have nothing to hide, but nobody has the right to possess the make-up of my existence.

Posted : 16-Aug-2010

Rate Comment | Report Comment

darren clegg

useing dna in convicting criminals is a risky business cross or accidental contamination can easily happen leading topossible false prosicution but managed in the right manner i believe a dna database of the whole population could be an invaluable tool just think of the possibilities for organ donation.

Posted : 13-Aug-2010

Rate Comment | Report Comment

Ciara

DNA is very important Scientific knowledge that can be used in lots of ways. It must be used wisely and only ever must it be used when their is an emmergancy. I am not sure if I can trust the police with that knowledge, but then again, I'm not sure.

Posted : 12-Aug-2010

Rate Comment | Report Comment