Development of Forensic Identity Databases (From Forensic Identification and Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, Justice and Risk, P 105-157, 2006, Carole McCartney, -- See NCJ-216086)

• NCJ Number: 216090
• Author(s): Carole McCartney
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 53 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This chapter critically examines the development and use of forensic identity databases in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

The analysis focuses on the problems associated with the development and use of forensic DNA databases, such as problems with the accuracy of the data and misconceptions about the usefulness of such databases, especially in light of their costs. The emergence of the information age witnessed huge expansions in government information gathering about citizens and information quickly became central to the operation of contemporary society, setting the stage for the eventual emergence of DNA databases designed to store information about criminal suspects. The England and Wales National DNA Database, which was heavily financed and touted, began operation in April 1995 and has since enjoyed official praise for its criminal detection abilities despite the evidence showing that only a tiny proportion of cases are impacted by the DNA database. The author presents evidence questioning the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of national DNA databases as well as evidence outlining the high potential for DNA evidence contamination, fabrication, and error to affect the integrity of large DNA databases. The legitimacy and public acceptance of forensic identification technologies are considered as the author points out that public debate in the United Kingdom about forensic surveillance is rarely conducted on an ethical or widespread level. Court cases involving forensic surveillance and how it impacts issues of civil liberties and privacy are reviewed as the author illustrates how UK courts have afforded increasing leniency to law enforcement regarding the collection and retention of DNA samples. Public support for such surveillance has been widespread and has gained the endorsement of diverse groups such as geneticists, legal scholars, and the police. Future risks emerging from the development and use of DNA databases are considered and include the notion of “function creep” in which the information stored in DNA databases are used for unintended and possibly undesirable purposes. Footnotes