Overview
The National DNA Database (NDNAD) holds DNA profiles of UK individuals. The bioinformation derived from each profile is used by the police to solve crimes.
The NDNAD is the largest database of its kind in the world and is growing by 500,000 new records per year.
Statistics of the NDNAD in 2008
- over 4 million records - 6% of the population
- 14% duplicate records
- includes 40% of black men, 13% of Asian men and 9% of white men
- 19% of profiles from under-18s
- 0.5% of profiles from volunteers
- includes > 1 million people who have never been convicted or cautioned
Addressing the concerns and current status
As public concern about the NDNAD continues to grow, the government has acted to address some of the issues raised.
- Greater effort is being made to collect and publish statistics.
- A new Ethics Group has been set up to advise the NDNAD strategy board.
- Attempts are being made to engage in debate with the public, human rights and civil liberties groups.
- The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) has been asked to review the use of bioinformation held on the NDNAD. The HGC will report in Spring 2008.
