ACPO
Comment on the First Annual Report of the DNA Ethics Group
On 21st July the first Annual Report of the DNA Ethics
Group, chaired by Professor Peter Hutton was published. Gary Pugh, ACPO
lead on DNA and Director of Forensic Services for the Metropolitan Police
Service, said: 'ACPO welcomes this report and the undertaking to work
with Professor Hutton to address the issues raised and will consider its
recommendations in due course.
'ACPO recognises there is a significant public interest in DNA profiling
and the ethics surrounding this issue. It is important that the police
service is clear about the use of the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and
that we clarify the purpose and use of the DNA samples taken and retained
for the NDNAD.'
'Under current legislation DNA can only be used for the purpose of investigating
and detecting crime and to identify those individuals who have died, for
example in mass disasters.'
