The number of 10- to 17-year-olds added to the database has soared over the past few years, according to figures taken from the Police National Computer by the Police Information Technology Organisation. When launched in 1995, the number of young people placed on it was 3,163. In 2003 this rose to 86,291 and in 2005 it was 126,787 (until 20 December), leading to a total of 685,748.
An extension of police powers in April 2004 gave the police more power to store DNA samples from anyone arrested for a recordable offence, even if the person is innocent or acquitted. This can be done without their permission, although it is often sought anyway.
Spike Cadman, senior policy development officer at Nacro, said: "The increase is regrettable but not surprising. It is concerning that the numbers have increased at a rate that makes no allowance for age, maturity or level of understanding of the individual." He added: "It also raises the possibility of police using arrest powers merely to gain information for the database."
