Call for DNA retention law change

Procedures for keeping DNA samples are being reviewed

Police chiefs have restated their call for laws on DNA retention to be strengthened north of the border.

The call from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland came after DNA evidence helped secure convictions of high-profile murderers in England.

Most DNA samples taken after arrests in Scotland must be destroyed if the person is not charged or convicted, but they are retained in England and Wales.

Acpos said it wanted the situation in Scotland to mirror England and Wales.

Serial killer Steve Wright, who murdered five prostitutes in Ipswich, and Mark Dixie, who killed teenage model Sally Anne Bowman, were captured because their DNA was taken after unrelated offences.

They were both convicted earlier this week.

Both killers were convicted with compelling DNA evidence

Officers in Scotland are only allowed to keep samples from those accused, but not convicted, of sexual or violent offences for up to three years.

However, an Acpos spokesman said: "Acpos is in favour of mirroring any legislation in the UK Parliament allowing the taking and retention of DNA samples from persons arrested for an offence."

Police chiefs also want the DNA details of non-registered sex offenders to be held, arguing that these could be useful in investigations.

The spokesman said: "Non-registered sex offenders should be treated in the same manner as their registered counterparts, as such persons have equal potential for identification during historic crime case reviews."

Tougher powers

While police have the power to retain the DNA of registered sex-offenders, they can take such samples only up to a month after the date of conviction - a period Acpos wants to see extended.

A review of the procedures for keeping DNA samples from those accused of violent or sexual offences was announced last September by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

The move followed a pledge last July by First Minister Alex Salmond that tougher powers to keep DNA samples from suspected criminals may be considered.

The review is being carried out by Professor James Fraser, head of the centre for forensic science at Strathclyde University.

During last year's Holyrood election campaign, Labour argued that police should be able to keep the DNA of all crime suspects, claiming it was "unacceptable" that the law in Scotland was more restrictive than in England.