‘POLICE SHOULD TAKE DNA OF ALL BABIES’

BY SHAUN JEPSON

A Former Derbyshire Deputy Chief Constable, who established the national DNA police database, believes genetic samples should be taken from everyone at birth.

Don Dovaston, pictured, also said that immigrants should have their DNA recorded.

He believes the benefits of a universal database far outweigh any human rights issues. Mr Dovaston said not only did a database give police a better chance of catching criminals, but it also helped to clear innocent people who might be suspected of a crime.

But Mr Dovaston, who has 40 years’ police service, said that there would need to be a serious discussion in Government before such measures were put in place.

He said: “I think the benefits of a universal database far outweigh any issues surrounding human rights and my personal opinion is that DNA should be taken from people from birth. I do not see the problem but I understand there has to be serious discussion in Government before it could take place.”