News

Police record hundreds of child DNA profiles every day

1 min read Youth Justice
Almost 300 children and young people have their DNA recorded by police every day, latest statistics show.

The figures, released following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Liberal Democrats, reveal 298 people aged between 10 and 17 have their DNA profile recorded each day.

In total more than one million children are on the national database.

The Metropolitan Police alone has collected DNA from 144,487 young people over the past decade.

"Storing the DNA of thousands of innocent young people as young as 10 is unlikely to solve our crime problems, but is a costly way of stigmatising young people," Jo Shaw, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Holborn & St Pancras, said.

Terri Dowty, policy director at Action on Rights for Children, said she was not surprised by the figures.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here

Posted under:


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)