Independent: DNA database chaos with 500,000 false or misspelt entries
Over 500,000 names on the DNA database are false, misspelt or incorrect, the Government has admitted.
Ministers have disclosed that one in seven of the genetic profiles on the controversial database is a “replicate”, raising alarming questions about the integrity and accuracy of the entire system.
(Via Philip)
Posted on August 26th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Would it be a good idea to change the procedure so that if you’re arrested on the basis of DNA being found at a crime scene, you give a DNA sample again, to see if it matches your entry on the database?
The other worrying thing is that, if you believe the DNA database is a good idea, this story is an argument for compulsory ID cards…
The best thing is that they’re having to use unglamorous, unsexy, inexpensive fingerprints to cross-check the data. Next year, no doubt, they’ll be digging desperately through Scotland Yard’s paper files in order to verify the fingerprints.
As with any other system, garbage in, garbage out. Though on the face of things this would lend strength to an argument for ID-Cards, the same premise (that data has to be accurate on the way in) applies again.
I’m a little confused as to how false names got in there, when you’d assume (uh oh) that there’d be strict checks in place…
So, Mr Suspected Criminal, name?
Mickey Mouse . Got it, thanks.