DNA DATABASES

DNA Databases

DNA Databases

1. Introduction

There is general agreement about the fact that research investigation into human genetics can affect the community as a whole, and for this reason it is necessary for society, and not only scientists to discuss and decide on what they wish to accept and what they wish to reject. It thus seems clear that there is a need in to examine and define the social and individual interests faced. In short, the aim of this study, in accordance with the International Declaration on Human Genetic Data, as well as with the plan of action “Science and Society” of the European Commission is to reveal the degree of information and criteria society has with regard to a question that may affect it in specific circumstances.

Indeed, it is of great interest to take into account the opinions of different social groups before adopting legal decisions related with biotechnology given that, in order to reach consensus, information should flow in two directions, Society-Science.

The group has chosen to 'Explore public opinions regarding the retention of DNA profiles on the National DNA Database'. This research was carried out in November 2009 by the Postgraduate Students of Birmingham City University. This research project was chosen by the group as a recent government proposal indicating that people's DNA, whether found innocent or guilty will remain on the National DNA Database, regardless of the crime.

As the Governments proposal has drawn huge attention from the general public and many professionals this has helped cause a media frenzy for and against the government's proposal. The topic of the National DNA Database has also been highlighted quite often in books, journals, internet and newspapers articles.

DNA was first brought to light in the mid 1980s, when a British Scientist Professor Sir Alec Jeffrey's realised that there was a way of taking someone's Data Notes Application (DNA) and converting the sample into a unique genetic fingerprint. He realised his technique of creating unique numeric profiles from a DNA sample could become a powerful crime-fighting tool similar to the rise of fingerprint technology a century before. DNA is a chemical substance within the nucleus of our cells, that contains the informational code for replicating the cell and constructing the needed enzymes.

In 1995, the government launched the national DNA database to allow the police to store DNA profiles. Today, the combined British database is the largest in the world, holding some 4.5m unique profiles. About 30,000 profiles are added each month. A department in the Home Office is responsible for the day-to-day running and its work is overseen by a board composed of the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities (Casciani, 2009).

As the technology evolved during the early to mid- 1990s many questioned the usefulness and the government's approach to how reliable and useful the DNA profiles were becoming. Many argued that the power of discrimination continued to increase as more and more people were being stopped by the police ...