The NDNAD is key to the way that police tackle crime in today's technology enabled world. DNA evidence allows crimes to be more easily solved, including old, unsolved cases. Searching the database for a chance match with a new crime scene profile identifies the prime suspect in about 45% of cases. The possibility of sharing information with other national DNA databases adds an international dimension to the mix. It is not just about finding the guilty however. DNA evidence can prove a person's innocence - even after they have been convicted.
The chances of two people having the same DNA profile are less than 1 in 1 billion. Finding a DNA match may not lead to a conviction because of a lack of other supporting evidence, but being able to identify suspects quickly saves both police time and money. Higher criminal detection rates and arguably "safer" convictions also increase public confidence in the police.
Quite apart from its effectiveness in fighting crime, the NDNAD is a potential gold mine for researchers. The profiles themselves are of little interest, but the original DNA samples contain unlimited genetic information.
Should the NDNAD be expanded to cover the whole UK population?
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2006-7 Statistics
- About 900 "scene-of-crime-to-suspect" matches reported per week
- One or more suspects linked to:
- about 1,175 violent/sex crimes
- about 852 drugs cases
- about 7,892 domestic burglaries
In March 2008 Britain's most senior forensic officer suggested that primary school children should be added to the DNA database if they showed behaviour that would suggest future criminality
