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Q3 2005 |
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Ref:125/09
November 24, 2009
ACPO comment on DNA – Human Genetics Commission report
Chris Sims, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police and ACPO lead on forensics said:
“DNA evidence has helped to solve numerous crimes as well as bringing offenders to justice. But the police service recognises its use must be reasonable and retain the support of the public. The Government’s Crime and Security Bill will address these issues and the police service welcomes the opportunity to establish some new clarity within which the police service can work.
“The suggestion that using powers of arrest to obtain DNA has become routine policy is plainly wrong. The law around powers of arrest is very clear. Taking a person’s liberty away through arrest is a hugely significant step and it is crucial that the police service acts only according to necessity and is proportionate when doing so. This goes to the heart of policing; that every individual officer is responsible for using his or her powers based on discretion and in accordance with the law.
"We welcome the decision of the Select Committee to look at the DNA database and this report in more detail. Open debate is a vital part of setting clearly understood legal parameters around use of DNA within which the police service can operate."
ENDS
Notes for Editors
• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.
• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.
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