The DNA profiles of up to 13,000 criminals are to be added to the national DNA Database, under a new initiative announced today by Home Office Minister John Denham. The first national police science and technology blueprint was also published today.
The National DNA Database is just one example of how cutting edge science and technology is transforming the fight against crime in the 21st Century by helping to catch criminals and secure their conviction. DNA retrieved from crime scenes is compared with DNA profiles on the database, with more than a 40 per cent chance of a crime scene sample being matched to an individual on the database.
The expansion of the Database announced today is a 'mopping up' exercise to include DNA profiles from prisoners and mentally disordered offenders currently not on the database. It is a significant step towards the target of loading on the database the DNA profiles of the entire active criminalpopulation by April 2004.
The new Police Science and Technology Strategy will enable police to make the best possible use of existing technologies and also exploit new scientific developments in combating crime. It will prioritise, co-ordinate and anticipate the science and technology needs of the police service over the next five years to support the objectives of the National Policing Plan.
Speaking at a visit to the Forensic Science Service, which manages the National DNA database, Mr Denham said:
"Science and technology has transformed the fight against crime and will continue to do so. From forensic science such as DNA and fingerprints, to technical equipment like breathalysers and speed cameras, and Information Communications Technology such as the Police National Computer and Airwave, new technology is helping the police combat crime.
"We are already reaping crime detection rewards from the application of science and technology - the National DNA Database is just one example of this. An essential intelligence tool in identifying offenders and securing convictions, the database contains samples from around 1.8 million individuals.
"Since 2000, DNA samples of offenders are routinely taken, along with their fingerprints and photographs. However, DNA profiles ofaminority of prisoners and mentally disordered offenders are not on the database – we are addressing this as part of our commitment to have the DNA profiles of the known active criminal population on the database by April 2004.
"Every month the database matches 5,000 DNA profiles taken from crime scenes with names on the database and we are already investing £182 million in expanding the National DNA database to build on this. The database is a vital weapon in law enforcement which has already helped to detect thousands of repeat criminals.
"The new Police Science and Technology strategy will enable the police service to realise the full potential of existing technologies, but just as importantly, will also allow them to exploit newscientific and technological developments so we stay one step ahead of the criminal."
Mr Denham also announced that the Police Standards Unit will work with police forces to make the most of forensic science and boost theirperformance by identifying and removing the barriers to success.
Mr Denham said:
"The last few years have seen an astonishing rate of technological and scientific advances. Properly and strategically harnessed, these developments can help deliver many of the key aspects of the police reform agenda including reducing bureaucracy, increasing detections and speeding up communications.
"Some police forces are better than others at keeping pace with scientific advances. The Police Standards Unit will work with forces across the country to support them in making the best use of forensic science, including DNA and fingerprints."
"Science and technology underpins intelligence-led policing. We need to raise the standards of the rest up to those of the best.
David Coleman, ACPO spokesperson on Forensic Science Issues and Chief Constable of Derbyshire Constabulary, said:
"I very much welcome the launch of the Home Office Science and Technology Strategy. Scientific support to crime investigations has developed dramatically over the last few years. The strategy, which has been prepared in full consultation with ACPO, brings into sharp focus the need to continue this development. It will enable the police service, with the support of Government and the wider scientific community, to exploit current and future scientific advances, increase opportunities in forensic investigation, and bring more criminals to justice."
Notes to Editors:
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The Police Science and Technology strategy is available on the police reform website at www.policereform.gov.uk. Hard copies are also available to the media from Home Office Press Office on 020 7273 2402.
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The police reform white paper: Policing a New Century: A Blueprint for Reform included a commitment to publish a national Police Science and Technology Strategy.
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Under the Microscope (July 2000) and Under the Microscope – Refocused (June 2002) are thematic reports by HMIC into the opportunities for detecting crime using forensic science and other technical aids. These reports are available on the HMIC website at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmic.htm
Recent examples where the NDNAD resulted in the conviction of serious offenders
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Kent rape – In 1988 a rape and indecent assault were carried out on an 11 year old and her nine year old sister in Canterbury. In 2001, a shoplifter was arrested in Derby and a DNA sample was taken. The shoplifter's DNA was found to match the 1988 crime scene samples. The offender pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
