As I have written previously, in 2008, this country was told that our police forces were wrong to retain the DNA of innocent people as they have been doing.
The Government supposedly had a change of heart last month. It is understandable, but quite wrong, that this was written up as a "u-turn" (which has led to much false reassurance) since it is in no way a change in our bureacracy's approach; rather, it is a temporary, tactical retreat on pragmatic grounds.
This is proven by the situation in East Anglia, as highlighted over at the Eastern Daily Press yesterday.
The story reveals the fact that
Almost 1,000 innocent people in Norfolk have been added to the database - and only six removed
And that's since the judgment from the European Court. Quite clearly, this is down to the Home Office:
A spokesman for Norfolk police last night insisted the force would continue to retain profiles of innocent people until told otherwise.
Official guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers endorses the continued retention of the details.
So, come on Alan Johnson - apparently you want to stop the retention of the DNA of innocent people; it's your Department delaying the execution of that policy; do you mean it, or not?
(As a side issue, I've also highlighted the risk of wrongful conviction based on DNA evidence elsewhere.)
By Alex Deane
**UPDATE** It's made clear over at Wales Online that the same thing is happening in Wales. Of course, this is happening everywhere but it's important and pleasing that people are alive to it.
And The Star tells us that South Yorkshire a further 10,000 people, too.
I have been arrested for a something I did not do (or have any incling had ever happened) over supposed DNA evidence that the police took when I was arrested for another crime I did not commit!
Posted by: Gary | 06/11/2009 at 05:49 PM