Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Buckle Up, Britons, or Submit DNA

New rules would let police take samples from scofflaws

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 2, 2007 11:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain may give police the authority to take DNA samples from anyone stopped for a minor crime, such as littering, speeding or not wearing a seat belt, the Guardian reports. And they'll be able to do so right on the street—without going to the police station, if the Home Office gets the new powers it has requested.

The UK's DNA database is already the world's largest, with profiles of 3.4 million people, including one of every three black men. The proposal, which enjoys wide support among police, comes just as a public inquiry is being launched to examine the implications of the current database. It allows cops to take fingerprints and footwear impressions on the street, as well as DNA samples from scofflaws.

Litter
Litter   ((c) Beige Alert)
IMG_8233
IMG_8233   ((c) youngthousands)
Strap In
Strap In   ((c) Rebecca..)
Two British police officers evaluate the situation. It is likely that the use of DNA information by police authorities for criminal intelligence purposes will grow said Baroness Kennedy, chair of the Human Genetics Commission.
Two British police officers evaluate the situation. "It is likely that the use of DNA information by police authorities for criminal intelligence purposes will grow" said Baroness Kennedy, chair of the...   (Shutterstock.com)
With the expanded police powers, British bobbies could take DNA samples off suspects right on the street.
With the expanded police powers, British bobbies could take DNA samples off suspects right on the street.   (Shutterstock.com)
DNA rendering
DNA rendering   ((c) ynse)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

DNA Used to Nab Criminal Kin

British Cop Chases Suspect: Himself

Cops Narrowly Missed 'Grim Sleeper' Twice

UK Aims to Mine Facebook in Fight on Crime, Terror

Tech Helps Prints Tell More of the Story


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne