DNA From Everybody

[joggerjayne]

Would it be a good idea to take a DNA sample from every new born child, everyone who applies for a passport or driving licence, everyone who applies for social security, everyone who enters the country, etc.

Within a few years, there would be a comprehensive DNA database of the majority of the adult population.

Whenever a crime was committed, the Police would only have to feed the DNA results into the computer to catch the baddie. And, also quite importantly, to eliminate the rest of us.

Whenever an old person had their heating allowance stolen ...

... sample, lab, DNA, computer ... arrest.

[Teddy_boy]

They already have all our DNA. David icke told me about it.

[NOX]

I dont want my DNA on a data base ( although actually it already is).
It's an utter violation to force people to have their newborns DNA swiped and not something I would ever support- I have little faith in the even handedness of police and every fear that it would be used to orchestrate the most heinous miscarriages of justice.

[TWR]

I thought you would get an answer like Nox JJ, the same old bullsht H.R.

[NOX]

Nice well thought out answer TWR, the number of words you used are clearly about equal to your IQ.

[Teddy_boy]

Seriously though, theres no reason not to have a dna library or id cards. Technically we have id cards at the moment , with photo drivers licences and passports being necessary as photo id.

[jackthehat]

The problem is that once the information has been collated, it is then open to misuse.

The DVLA was formed to keep a record of drivers and vehicles. Subsequent years have seen this information disseminated to 'interested parties'. I certainly do not recall being asked if I minded this development.

[Teddy_boy]

Nothing to hide, nothing to worry about. I really dont see the problem.

[TWR]

You answered the Minority of the Country's views Nox, what would the problem be if it helped solve crimes?

[rowanwitch]

the cost of the testing would be huge, and the cost of trying to find DNA at minor crimes would probably mean it would be cheaper to compensate the victim. The criminal classes would just learn to be more careful about leaving trace evidence...and it won't help with cybercrime which is increasing dramatically

[Old_Geezer]

No it is an appalling idea. The State has too much power over the individual as it is. Whilst a benign State can be trusted (up to a point), nothing ever stays the same. Anyone who believes in personal freedom should oppose the very idea.

By the way could you leave some of your DNA around where I can find it, I can then gather it and plant it at my next crime scene and I'll be off the hook.

[joggerjayne]

But is it question of balance ... risks against rights.

If the authorities said ...

We CAN'T guarantee that there will be no abuse ...

But we CAN guarantee that you will be safer, and that fewer old people will be burgled ...

Would we take that deal ?

[RATTER15]

I would fully support this but yes there would be problem with it but I think that the balance would be more than addressed by locking up so many more criminals and rapists Etc, they already have my DNA and I dont object a bit, I have nothing to hide.

[Teddy_boy]

Oh dear the orwellians have got out of bed.

[TWR]

The last part of your answer said it all Ratters. I have nothing to hide.

[jackthehat]

No.
And the simplistic 'nothing to hide, nothing to worry about' argument really doesn't address the issue adequately.

In order to justify the cost of collecting DNA, storing it and making it 'available' the over-seeing department would be doubtless be pressured and prevailed upon to make the information available to 'interested parties'.

[ojread2]

I'm not sure how it would help solve crimes?
Having every innocent person's DNA is some central database ala CSI, would only take longer to solve a crime as there would be millions more DNA to search?
It takes more than a few seconds to find, even with the computer systems we use nowadays

[joggerjayne]

Well, I'm going to the gym.

I'll give this some thought in the sauna.

Or I might not.

[jno]

"But we CAN guarantee that you will be safer, and that fewer old people will be burgled"

Well, no, what you're hoping to guarantee is that people will be caught, not that the crimes won't happen.

*If* the evildoers leave DNA behind when burgling, which some omit to do.

[ummmm]

But couldn't it also put innocent people at the scene?

[DrFilth]

i wonder if twr would have the same view if he had his house searched by the police and treated like a piece of dog muck only to find out it was next door they should have gone in