New DNA profile 'every 45 seconds'
Updated on 02 August 2007
The Government was today accused of a "headlong rush" towards a surveillance state after it emerged a new profile is added to the national DNA database every 45 seconds.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said 722,464 profiles were entered onto the database in 2006/07.
The revelation came as the Home Office was urged to allow police to take DNA samples for the most minor of offences.
The figure was obtained in response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg.
Mr Clegg said: "The Government's onward march towards a surveillance state has now become a headlong rush.
"They seem determined to hoover up the DNA details of as many people as they can, regardless of guilt or innocence.
"We already have by far the largest DNA database in the world, and these figures make it clear just how fast it's growing.
"DNA is a vital tool in the fight against crime, but such a massive database must be subjected to proper scrutiny - especially when it contains details of nearly 150,000 people who were never charged, let alone convicted of an offence."
The figure was revealed as recommendations to extend the authority to take DNA samples were made in response to a Home Office review of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Current thresholds allow only for samples to be taken from individuals arrested for a "recordable" offence, usually a crime punishable by imprisonment.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
