DNA retention still a possibility
8 Jun 07
First Minister indicates there could be a case for keeping suspects' DNA
The First Minister Alex Salmond has indicated that he may yet consider the case for retaining all samples of DNA taken from those suspected of criminal offences.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said yesterday in a BBC Scotland radio interview that the current DNA retention rules, which permit retention of samples of those accused of violent or sexual offences for up to three years, whether or not they are convicted, were appropriate. However, during First Minister's Questions yesterday, Mr Salmond said he had sympathy for his predecessor Jack McConnell's arguments for an extension of the law.
English law permits retention of samples from any arrested person, and a number of serious crimes have been solved by matching retained samples, but MSPs in the last parliament objected to such a wide rule on civil liberties grounds.
Mr Salmond suggested that the parliament should rise above party politicking on the issue and review the matter based on the evidence.