DNA profiles have helped solve thousands of crimes. Genetic information from a bodily sample - including hair or saliva - is recorded and stored in the national DNA database. DNA material found at the scene of a crime can then be matched against the database. If there is a match, the police have a suspect and, possibly, the guilty person. Invite young people's views on the system. Are there any drawbacks to it as a way of fighting crime?
Since 2004, people who have been arrested may have their DNA taken and stored. Even if they are later released, the chief constable can decide to keep the records. Talk about why the police might want to do this. Is it on the assumption that these people might commit a crime in the future? Is there any other reason?
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