Mark Easton adds to his file of opinionated pieces with this ‘report’ claiming that removing the DNA of people not convicted of any crime from the police database will result in more rapes, murders and serious crimes….oh those nasty Tories!
‘Will the government’s Protection of Freedoms Act lead to an increase in murders, rapes and other serious crimes? New research from the United States suggests it might.’
No equivocation there then.
‘The legislation, which became law last May, is resulting in many thousands of DNA profiles being removed from the UK’s giant DNA database
In a Commons debate in October 2011, Home Office Minister James Brokenshire challenged the suggestion “that the more people’s DNA is on the database, the more effective it is”.
However, it’s also true that in 2008/9 there were 79 murder, manslaughter or rape cases in which DNA was matched to individuals who had been arrested but not convicted.’
Easton is arguing against himself there……if the police had the DNA why weren’t the individuals convicted?
He continues….’With the murder rate in England and Wales now at its lowest level since Jim Callaghan was prime minister, there are many theories as to why violent crime has seen such a significant fall in recent years. One answer is the DNA database.’
‘One answer‘…that’s a very slippery rhetorical device…..becuse it’s not ‘one answer‘…it’s only ‘one theory’ amongst many….the many that aren’t listed here by Easton.
‘It is broadly accepted that there is a balance to be struck between crime prevention and individual freedom. This new research adds a little more evidence to help decide where the balance should lie.’
Guess we now know where Easton thinks that balance should be.
Always grateful for his personal opinion funded by the license fee.
I found Mark Easton’s article interesting. The debate is of course about individual freedom vs prevention of serious crime. Reading and comprehension doesnt seem to be your strong point.
‘Will the government’s Protection of Freedoms Act lead to an increase in murders, rapes and other serious crimes? New research from the United States suggests it might.’
No equivocation there then.’
Its a question. The hook of the article is the University of Virginia study which was able to compare the different state approaches. You read the linked research I’m sure.
‘The legislation, which became law last May, is resulting in many thousands of DNA profiles being removed from the UK’s giant DNA database
‘Easton is arguing against himself there……if the police had the DNA why weren’t the individuals convicted?’
Arguing against himself? Is that the same as presenting different arguments? Before May and the Protection of Freedoms Act , DNA was taken from anyone arrested, they dont all get charged or convicted. Sometimes they do go on to commit serious crimes, their DNA is on the database and its a match.
I mean, c’mon, you cant pretend to be serious?
‘One answer is the DNA database.’
‘Would you argue that DNA has not reduced serious crime? Maybe all those serial killers and rapists would’ve just gone into voluntary retirement?
Enlighten us Alan, is Mark Easton being left or right wing here? If he’s arguing for a bigger or compulsory DNA database is that left or right?
With all due respect, this is incredibly stupid Alan.
Kaiser, are you just pretending to not know the facts?? As always, lefty idiots are making up stories and blaming the Tories, when 80% of our laws come from Brussels. The EU instructed Britain to delete the data, we failed to comply and were fined, now we are following instructions.
That is how life is when you are just a small troublesome island, run by an unelected council of 22 Communists in a bunker in Brussels!
Well, he has 5 others in tow.
Is it some kind of program?
New research from the United States suggests it might.
I see ‘research’ and ‘might’ in a media report I know to watch out.
A BBC #prasnews one and it’s basically worth zippy.
Alan does make a valid point that if you are saying there are a number of theories on a subject you can’t then describe one as an ‘answer’. Both Alan and Easton are being inexact on this topic but Easton gets pay to write this stuff.
“The legislation, which became law last May, is resulting in many thousands of DNA profiles being removed from the UK’s giant DNA database – people arrested but not convicted of a serious offence after three years.”
Surely this is fair. The reason for keeping the records is that you assume that the act of being arrested itself implies some sort guilt.
Fascinating this obsession for all things German from our new, or retreaded, lefty bores. Colditz, Fritz and now Kaiser. And all share the same little world view.
The reason is clear – they are already running our country under the covers, they just can’t wait to come out into the open and declare the 4th Reich!
Does seem like they are working their way through a 1962 Victor annual for new call-signs.
Guessing Roger, Wilco, Tora, Tora and Tora were taken?
They’d better be careful, as there’s a new monitor patrolling the halls who doesn’t like folks’ names being tweaked for satirical purposes.
Guessing this garners a unique pass then when HIGNFY regulars need a laugh.
Anyway, the BBC has kindly helped out, and even ‘selected’ some comments at the end…
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7829013.stm
Pity Easton didn’t mention the transfer of our DNA database to other EU member states, with lower standards of justice than the UK’s.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9141284/The-DNA-of-Britons-could-be-passed-on-in-EU-data-sharing-scheme.html
It’s quite simple either only convicted criminals dna is kept on file or EVERBODY’S is taken and put on file in case of past or future potential crimes.
The police can now arrest anyone on the street take them down to the nick and photos, fingerprints and dna are taken. Released next day without charge but all details remain on file. Just ask the M.P. that was arrested in Westminster a couple of years back. Is he more libel to be a rapist now, I think not. Everybody or just those convicted.
Hey! That’s a really nice post. I’m very
certain I will counsel it to my co-workers.If you publish more posts please email them to me.