I disagree.
I do think that people get rather too excited about genetic privacy, but the retention of DNA evidence strikes me as unjustified.

First, there's no reason to suppose that Wright wouldn't have been caught. He may not have been caught in the same way, but that's not the same as saying that he wouldn't be caught.

Second, the problem with the DNA retention policy as it stands is that it's (still) too undiscriminating: until recently, it made no distinction between the innocent and the guilty, or between different crimes. It's changed a little now, but it's still a very broad-brush thing. This means that just about anyone can find their DNA retained for no particularly good reason. I don't like the idea of the police being able to do things for no particularly good reason.

Third, DNA is a very useful evidential tool, but it's not the only evidential tool, and it's scary how little juries (and lawyers) understand about its significance. It is certainly not a foolproof way to pare the guilty from the innocent.

Fourth, the retention of genetic information by the police assumes that it's up to the suspect to prove their innocence, granted that there's several ways in which DNA might arrive at a crime scene. And having the onus that way around seems to me to be grotesque.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Sat 7 May 2011, 14:25, 1 reply)

They had no clue, really no clue who was murdering these women.
Remember he killed two women in one day.
Yes he might have been caught eventually but how many other women would have died?

I speak as someone who knows both the families of the murdered women and the police investigating the case.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Sat 7 May 2011, 14:35, closed)

I don't know - and nor does anyone else.
So it's not really a strong foundation from which to build the case. Moreover, had he not been arrested before, the database would have been no use anyway.

Changing the subject slightly, did I dream it, or are you something theatrical? And in that case, does your knowing the Ipswich people relate to London Road at the NT? I really want to see that, but doubt I'm going to get the chance unless it tours.
( Enzyme is powered by sunlight, Sat 7 May 2011, 14:41, closed)

I was something theatrical once.
I know the families involved because some of their children go to schools where I teach / have taught. The police involved are friends and neighbours.

The London Road play was made without the consent of the families, therefore I don't want anything to do with it.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Sat 7 May 2011, 14:50, closed)