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DNA testing expanded
Tony Blair gets DNA-swabbed for a photo-opportunity |
Home Secretary Jack Straw has said he wants all police forces to take DNA samples from anyone arrested for offences that carry a prison term.
Mr Straw said the practice, which is currently being tested by the Metropolitan Police, has major benefits for crime detection.
The government is expected to unveil a number of tough anti-crime laws this week in its Crime and Public Protection Bill, including mandatory drug testing for offenders and an extension of electronic tagging.
Jack Straw: Investing £34m in DNA testing |
Mr Straw said: "It's a very good way of identifying people, for example, committing serial burglaries as well as those committing what are regarded as the more serious crimes.
"So we are investing £34m of new money in that over the next three years as well as the additional money I announced three months ago - for example in respect of the 5,000 additional police officers on top of those already due to be recruited."
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, echoed that call when he addressed police in Kent to highlight the publication of new performance tables for police forces.
At present, DNA samples are taken from suspects arrested for violent crimes, burglary or sexual offences.
DNA will be taken for all offences carrying a jail term |
The Metropolitan force in London is expected to lead the new strategy and begin taking DNA samples from anyone arrested for offence carrying a jail term, ranging from drink-driving to murder.
Mr Blair, who had his own DNA taken during his visit, said: "I want to see all police forces following the Met's example.
"Our £34m investment in the national DNA database will help them to do this. More testing will help solve more crimes and catch more criminals and not just murders and sexual offences. It will help in our fight to cut the crimes which affect most people - like burglary and car crime.
"A single hair left in a stolen car is enough to identify the thief. Last year 14,000 similar matches were made."
Mr Straw said the government was not planning to change the law which prevents DNA records being kept in the event that a suspect is not charged or convicted.
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29 Nov 99 | UK |
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Blair hails crime league tables |
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29 Nov 99 | UK |
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