What is all the hoohaa abuot a DNA database - bring it on!
- Thread starter NeilF
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Soldato
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I used to be very much in the pro-database camp. But on CIX conferencing there used to be a very credible bloke who had a lot of knowledge and experience in the field (to the point of appearing in court as an expert witness). He gave some detailed and persuasive arguments against over-reliance on DNA testing. In fact some of what he said was downright worrying.
It is a useful tool, but it is nowhere near the 'silver bullet' many think it is. I think, on balance, I remain in favour of only retaining the DNA of proven criminals who are, after all, those most likely to re-offend. Legislating for the tiny minority of undetected mass murderers/rapists etc is fairly dangerous.
Andrew McP
It is a useful tool, but it is nowhere near the 'silver bullet' many think it is. I think, on balance, I remain in favour of only retaining the DNA of proven criminals who are, after all, those most likely to re-offend. Legislating for the tiny minority of undetected mass murderers/rapists etc is fairly dangerous.
Andrew McP
So what you're basically saying is, you can't actually give any good reason why we shouldn't hold your (& everyones) DNA, but you're happy for crimes and murders to carry on that could otherwise be solved/prevented?
Or so put it another way maybe, basically your ill-founded worries are more important that saving lifes & preventing crime?
Oh... I see
You know it won't just be the DNA profile don't you? For the profile to be of any use what so ever it will need to be connected to your name and address details too. So it is yet another government database with your personal details on that can go missing.
That is over and above the principles matter of the fact that I would prefer that I am presummed innocent and my details not kept on file "just in case" I commit a crime.
No they kindda go, well ok. Mr Smith lives in Scotland 100 miles away has never met the victim or has any connection ok. Mr Jones lives two minutes away and is known to have been seeing the victim.
Hmm guess who we'll test.
Usually they wouldn't have to test more than 1 person.
Annd iirc you get the though test done anyway if you're taken to court (or at least your defence will get it done and recoup the costs)
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Soldato
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And it could be the difference between police wasting resource chasing the wrong people and police focusing on those identifed by a variety of different evidence.
It's not the government losing my DNA data that bothers me, it's having them store it, lable and categorise it correct that worries me.
Soldato
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I'd feel a bit angry if they had my dna on a database tbh.
If you're being taken to court, or if Mr Jones is already a possible suspect, there's no reason for the database, as they can just take samples directly from them.
Soldato
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thats unnaceptable. thats 1 in 13mil is far worse than i thought. this is bound to lead to people being arrested for crimes they didnt commit. even if they end up being found not guilty or it never gets that far because the correct person comes along there is no way to reverse the damage already done.
Indeed... And no one is suggesting it is a magic bullet.
Let's suppose we have a scenario. A young girl is raped and murdered.
No database
DNA evidence will most likely not help. So eyewitness reports, CCTV footage and LOTS of leg work might give a name to investigate. Further murders/rapes possibly continue...
Have a database
Let's assume the database gives one or more results. Right! Straight away there are people who can be investigated. One was 300 miles away at work that day, the other is a local guy who strangely has no excuse for that day. A search of his house finds her blood on his clothes...
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So what you're basically saying is, you can't actually give any good reason why we shouldn't hold your (& everyones) DNA, but you're happy for crimes and murders to carry on that could otherwise be solved/prevented?
Or so put it another way maybe, basically your ill-founded worries are more important that saving lifes & preventing crime?
Oh... I see
I've already stated that my DNA is on the database and I have no problem with that as I was convicted of a crime. But for those who HAVEN'T been convicted of a crime, to have their information on the database is WRONG because the government has proven that they are incapable of protecting data, however insignificant it might be.
My ill-founded worries are more important tha....?
My worry is that the information the government loses can be used for harming lives and causing crime. If that data had ended up in the hands of dissidents, my brothers life would have been at risk / harm and could have resulted in a crime being commited.
Again! A straw man!
DNA match does not = locked up in jail. Other evidence would be needed. But in many cases the DNA evidence could lead straight to the right person to investigate, instead of trying to investigate a dead end!
Soldato
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ok ive probably been listening to the campiangers against it to much on tv.
Erm, you quoted the first half of the sentence, the 2nd half was the bit referring specifically to a DNA database. The tracking comment was more aimed at the other methods of crime detection I don't agree with. ie - A horrendous amount of CCTV cameras in this country.
I'm no expert, but I seriously doubt my DNA profile would be of much interest to anyone... Now, all the rest of the information I walk around with in my wallet and mobile phone is of FAR more importance/use, yet people have far less qualms of losing these items?
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Your DNA profile will be linked with your other data from when you're arrested, such as your name, address, sex and race.
Your DNA will be linked to your name, address and contact details more than likely so it isn't just the profile that could go missing. As to all the information I normally carry around, at least I know what I am doing to keep that safe as opposed to hoping the government manage to do it (this time).
And again with have the whole principle issue. I would still prefer it that I am presummed innocent and my details not kept on file "just in case" I commit a crime.