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15/03/2011
DNA Evidence Under Microscope
A consultation on the retention of fingerprints and DNA by the authorities in NI has been launched,
The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has today proposed changes to the law in relation to the retention of both peoples' fingerprints and their genetic 'fingerprint' - their DNA.
He suggests that both prints and DNA profiles of those arrested - but not convicted - of a minor offence should be immediately destroyed.
Under existing legislation, the police have the power to retain indefinitely the fingerprints and DNA of such people - those arrested for, but not convicted of, any recordable offence.
The Minister's new framework distinguishes between the convicted and non-convicted; adults and juveniles; and serious and minor offences and is aimed at bringing the law in Northern Ireland into line with a judgment by the European Court of Human Rights.
Alliance party Leader and Justice supreme, David Ford said: "This consultation outlines very serious and important changes to the legislative framework on the retention of fingerprints and DNA in Northern Ireland. I would ask people to consider it very carefully.
"Techniques like fingerprinting and DNA profiling play a very important part in crime investigation and resolution.
"The focus when developing these proposals has therefore been to ensure that the legal framework complies with the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights yet continues to allow police to effectively detect and investigate crime. I believe these proposals strike the right balance," he said today.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has today proposed changes to the law in relation to the retention of both peoples' fingerprints and their genetic 'fingerprint' - their DNA.
He suggests that both prints and DNA profiles of those arrested - but not convicted - of a minor offence should be immediately destroyed.
Under existing legislation, the police have the power to retain indefinitely the fingerprints and DNA of such people - those arrested for, but not convicted of, any recordable offence.
The Minister's new framework distinguishes between the convicted and non-convicted; adults and juveniles; and serious and minor offences and is aimed at bringing the law in Northern Ireland into line with a judgment by the European Court of Human Rights.
Alliance party Leader and Justice supreme, David Ford said: "This consultation outlines very serious and important changes to the legislative framework on the retention of fingerprints and DNA in Northern Ireland. I would ask people to consider it very carefully.
"Techniques like fingerprinting and DNA profiling play a very important part in crime investigation and resolution.
"The focus when developing these proposals has therefore been to ensure that the legal framework complies with the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights yet continues to allow police to effectively detect and investigate crime. I believe these proposals strike the right balance," he said today.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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