Balancing crime detection, human rights and privacy

In 1994, the UK created the legal basis for a national DNA database of people who have been convicted of all but the most trivial offences. Since its creation one year later, the National DNA Database (NDNAD) has grown to include DNA samples from 2.7 million individuals—about 5.2% of the UK population (Home Office, 2006)—many of whom have never been charged with, or convicted of, any offence. It is the oldest, largest and most inclusive national forensic DNA database in the world. Under current law, it might expand to include 25% of the adult male population, along with about 7% of adult women (Williams & Johnson, 2005a).