Fingerprint and DNA debate
23 Jun 05
Debate called for on whether records should be kept of those not convicted of crime
Proposals that could enable the police to keep all prints and DNA samples taken from suspects during an investigation, were published yesterday.
At the moment Scotland's police collect up to 3,500 fingerprints and DNA samples each month but around 2,000 are later destroyed. This is because some suspects are not proceeded against, not convicted or given non-court disposals such as fixed penalty notices.
The new proposals, issued for consultation, could allow the police to retain all prints and samples taken from suspects during an investigation, regardless of whether those individuals are eventually convicted, to help officers in the fight against crime.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said she wants a "full and open debate on the proposals", which are designed to help police clear up crime. Civil liberties groups have expressed their concerns.
She said: "I am committed to helping the police solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. We are already working to put more police on the streets and ensuring that they have the tools to do their job effectively."
Since the law was changed in 2001 in England and Wales, more than 10,000 offences including 88 murders, 45 attempted murders and 116 rapes have been linked to profiles on the DNA database which under the previous legislation would have been deleted.
This has helped the police and courts convict these criminals and also to eliminate innocent suspects from their enquiries.