GEM (Global E Mail) No.	132/2009

To:	Police Authorities Chairs Police Authorities Chief Executives

Cc:	APA Board APA Secretariat

No of attachments:	1
Brief:	Home Office DNA Consultation - Keeping the Right People on the DNA Database
Contact:	[email protected]

Colleagues

The Home Secretary announced today a Home Office consultation on DNA evidence and how the Government should handle DNA evidence. The consultation Keeping the Right People on the DNA Database suggests changes to the current guidance on how long DNA records should be kept. See attached.

Some of its suggested changes include:

destroying all DNA samples like mouth swabs, hair or blood as soon as they are converted into a profile
automatically deleting the DNA profiles of anyone arrested but not convicted of serious violent or sexual crimes after 12 years
automatically deleting the DNA profiles of anyone arrested but not convicted of all other crimes after six years
removing the DNA profiles of young people arrested but not convicted (or convicted for less serious offences) when they turn 18
retaining indefinitely the DNA profiles and fingerprints of anyone convicted of a recordable offence

The APA has been closely involved in the Governments work in how DNA evidence should be handled. We will be developing a corporate response to the consultation and so would appreciate the input of police authorities in formulating those views.

If you could submit views to the APA Secretariat [email protected], tel: 020 76643227 by 24th July 2009 this would be appreciated, as the full consultation closes on 7th August 2009. If you submit your views to the Home Office directly could you also copy those to the APA on the above email address.

Full details on the consultation below:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/dna-tell-us

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2009-dna-database/dna-consultation?view=Binary

Regards

Hannah Sharp

P please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to – let’s save some trees

The Association of Police Authorities (APA) represents all police authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has two main functions: to act as the national voice of police authorities and influence the national agenda on their behalf; and to help police authorities do their job locally through the development of guidance and advice on national policing, criminal justice and community safety related issues.

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