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Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Goodlookin Flatdog, Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:41:30 +0000

Absolutely NOT!

DNA should only be filed when conviction has been secured. Anyone else arrested during the enquiry and not convicted must be assumed to be innocent, and there is no call whatsoever for innocent people's DNA to be recorded anywhere. That is the ultimate breach of the right to privacy.

It's about time that those in authority re-learned the lesson that their authority derives from us, the voters, and THEY are the ones who have to be accountable to US, not the other way around!

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

[Oustnulabour], Manchester, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:41:21 +0000

Many people concerned about the loss of civil liberties are concerned because of the potential misuse of the authorities powers. They are quite right to be concerned, I don't trust the authorities at all and I suspect this story is just the tip of the iceberg. The citizens of this country are effectively being mugged and abused by the authorities.

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

[markus_uk], United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:41:17 +0000

and you guys were concerned about ID cards...

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

William Davies, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:37:28 +0000

The answer to the question is clearly no. As to the main story, the accusation levelled at the police is also clearly true. From my own experience of a local WPC arresting my 11 year old son for what, in hindsight, was merely to get his DNA. His crime? a schoolyard squabble, a retaliation after a day of name-calling. Jury Judge and recorder, a local WPC. It stinks, and needs regulation, not the pussy footing we are currently witnessing. Clear guidelines needed!

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Brendan MacLean, Birmingham, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:36:04 +0000

I'm getting a little worried about this. It seems a large number of people believe most of us are up to no good. Surely this is a bit paranoid. Do we really need protecting from ourselves?
DNA evidence can be crucial but I'm not sure a person should be required to give away any part of themselves just because they are arrested, perhaps in error.
I don't have anything to hide and I would like to assume that my word is good enough. Who has reason to believe otherwise?

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Jon Cooper, Camborne, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:35:30 +0000

Hitler would have loved a DNA database

would have made rounding up everyone he didn't approve of so much easier

don't imagine that couldn't happen again

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Alan Docherty, Paisley, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:35:25 +0000

Without doubt they should. The do-gooder interfering human rights activists should consider the victims of crime, not just the offenders. I whole heartedly believe they entire nation should be DNA screened and the data held on file. It would prevent many many crimes being committed and clear up many outstanding unsolved RAPES, MURDERS. Yes, serious crime.
We should adopt America's stance on 3 strikes and you are out. We need to be tough on crime and put the VICTIMS FIRST.

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Brian Sweeny, Okehampton, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:34:37 +0000

I agree with Netty, from Boston, No, only if "convicted" of a crime , the police seem to be changing from servants of the public, and enforcers of the law, to law makers, and more of a para military force, than servants of the public, its the police pushing for these powers, and when the police get too strong, your freedom is gone completely, and you have entered a police state, just the same as some of those in South America, where people disappear never to be seen again.

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

Margaret Hart, Redcar, United Kingdom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:34:26 +0000

Definitely not unless they are going to hold the DNA of the whol country. Our secretive nation is really getting ridiculous they will be asking all the Gyms and weightwatching clubs for more personal information. If the crime committed requires DNA or very serious other crimes should llow for this.

Should police DNA test everyone they arrest?

[onedaysoon], York — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:31:06 +0000

This DNA thing keeps coming out again and again in HYS

I do not understand the big deal of police holding your DNA on database, anymore than your date of birth or last known address

Some people are privacy mad, I imagine that someone posted a picture of them on facebook is their worst nightmare