New operational base for the UK National DNA Database

The purpose of the National DNA Database unit, under the direction of the custodian – who is the head of the unit - is to oversee the delivery of national DNA Database services, and to ensure that systems are in place to protect the integrity of the Database. DNA database services are provided under contract by the Forensic Science Service (FSS).

The DNA Database Unit has recently become part of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), and is responsible for accrediting all of the scientific laboratories that analyse DNA samples for the police and send profiles to the Database. It is also responsible for overseeing the contract for operation and maintenance of the NDNAD.

A new operational base for the National DNA Database (NDNAD) custodian unit has been officially opened last week by Joan Ryan MP, Under Secretary of State for nationality, citizenship and immigration. The move will provide more transparency and better quality control by the National Database unit, based on the premises in Birmingham.

Since it was first created in 1995, the NDNAD has become a key investigation tool which has revolutionised the way the police can protect the public through identifying offenders and securing more convictions. The Database, which links up with the national automated fingerprinting platform (IDENT1) and the Police National Computer (PNC), currently includes:
· Around 3.8 million individuals on the Database
· Around 300,000 crime scene profiles on the Database

In addition:
· Approximately 900 scene of crime to subject matches are reported per week
· Around 55,000 subject sample profiles are loaded to the Database per month
· Around 4,500 crime scene profiles are loaded to the Database per month
· During 2006/2007, 1,175 violent/sex crimes were linked to one or more subjects, 852 drugs cases were linked to one or more subjects and 7,892 domestic burglaries were linked to one or more subjects

Taking a DNA sample (and fingerprints) from someone who has been arrested for a recordable offence and detained in a police station is now part of the normal process within a police custody suite. It is no different to recording other forms of information such as photographs or witness statements.

Commenting on the database, Joan Ryan MP said, "It is fascinating to see how the National DNA Database links to so many other tools that help the police solve crimes on a daily basis. Seeing the end-to-end process first hand, from how a sample is taken to the quality control measures it is subjected to, is impressive. I firmly believe that such a data source will continue to assist the police to close the net on criminality by providing vital evidence to bring more offenders to justice."

Chief Constable Peter Neyroud, chief executive of the NPIA said, “The NPIA are dedicated to creating a world-class service to help the police in driving down crime and the NDNAD is a crucial link in that chain. This move provides a quality base for work on the NDNAD to ensure that the information entered is of the highest standard and that its integrity is maintained.”

 

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