The report by Jim Fraser, director of the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde, suggested the change in a government review of police powers. At present, children's DNA or fingerprint records must be destroyed if the case goes through the children's hearing system instead of criminal courts.
"It is my opinion that children who accept or are found to have committed a relevant sexual or violent offence should be the subject of forensic sampling and retention in line with adults," said Fraser. He added that as most assaults committed by children are minor it would not be appropriate to sample all children in this category.
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