Government under fire over DNA database

Terror suspects who are released without charge face having their DNA profiles stored for life. Proposals announced by the Home Office could see information on anyone arrested for terrorist offences, including those who are not charged or acquitted by a jury, kept indefinitely on the national database. Senior police officers would review each case every two years on national security grounds to see if holding on to the genetic profile of each individual was warranted. Even under-18s arrested but not charged could have their DNA profiles stored for much longer periods than for other crimes. Home Office minister Alan Campbell said terror offences needed to be treated differently from other crimes because of the length of police investigations. Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group Liberty, said: "The comments on released terror suspects will add fuel to fears that Home Office DNA plans are more to do with political positioning than practical policy. Life-long retention subject to convoluted biannual review looks like a police officer's nightmare and a solicitor's dream."

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ITN | November 11, 2009

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