---

DNA Databases

Answer

There are a number of channels for the exchange of DNA information between the United Kingdom and other countries. They include: the United Kingdom National Central Bureau for Interpol (UK NCB) based at the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) which is often used to provide DNA profile data to other countries; bi-lateral direct liaison between law enforcement authorities; and formal mutual legal assistance channels. Exchanges of DNA information via these channels will almost always be a response to the needs of a specific criminal investigation.The UK NCB is not currently able to provide data on the countries to which DNA profiles have been sent or on the number of DNA profiles sent to other countries in pursuit of specific criminal investigations. This information will be available later this year following the introduction of a new data collection system (this will not apply to retrospective data). However, it is estimated that DMA data is sent out by the UK NCB to one or more countries on two or three occasions each week. DNA data is only sent abroad where this is deemed necessary by the investigator, and is subject to data protection and human rights risk assessment. No data is available on the number of exchanges of DNA information which occur through direct liaison between law enforcement authorities or formal mutual legal assistance channels.There have been two significant exchanges of DNA information in the last two years. In October 2004, 1,687 DNA crime scene profiles from undetected sexual offences in the UK were submitted to the Interpol DNA database (via the UK NCB). In February 2006, 10,763 DNA crime scene profiles from unsolved serious crimes committed in the UK were sent to the Netherlands for checking against the Netherlands DNA database.The latter resulted from direct liaison and the development of a reciprocal agreement between the Dutch police and UK police representatives as the Netherlands is currently unable to take advantage of existing exchange mechanisms such as the Interpol database due to legislative restrictions. The Dutch authorities are working towards a solution to allow ratification of the existing mechanisms and also intend to send DNA profiles from unsolved Dutch crime scenes for checking against the UK national DNA database.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

445 c446W;445 c445-6W; 63157

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Databases Genetics

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk