Paul Honigmann
[FOI #15021 email]
Our Reference: 46851
26th August 2009
Dear Mr Honigmann,
I am writing with reference to your request for information regarding the DNA
database, dated 23rd July 2009 made under section 1(1) of the Freedom of
Information Act.
You asked for the following information:
How many true duplicate DNA fingerprints are there in the NDNAD? I refer not to
the 13.7% of entries which are currently ascribed to double-entries of the same
individual ("replicates"), nor to the identical fingerprints of twins and triplets, but
actual, proven cases of two or more non-identical-siblings having the same DNA
fingerprint. Ideally, I would appreciate the information in the form "2,700 known
duplicates, 113 triplicates" etc.
To aid you in tracking down this information - this data is probably held by the Data
Quality and Integrity Team (DQIT) who work for the NDNAD's Custodian.
It may be that the information is available more readily through the Match
Reporting Database (MRDB) or Management Information Database (MID) which
were created specifically to get round limitations in the NDNAD. These are
anonymised, thus conveniently fall outside the Data Protection Act.
The National DNA Database Annual Report 2004-5 (page 9) makes it clear that
when SGS+ was introduced as the DNA fingerprinting scheme, it was not known
what the occurrence of duplicates would be and a large scale exercise was in
progress to determine this at the time. There was obviously concern at the time
over the issue of duplicates. With a database now in excess of 4.6 million
fingerprints, and simple statistical analysis, this information is presumably now
readily available.
I am writing to advise you I have established that the NPIA holds some of the
information you have requested.
National Policing Improvement Agency
The National DNA Database Unit’s Data Quality and Integrity Team (DQIT) are
responsible for the ongoing review of replicate SGM Plus DNA samples that are
recorded on 2 or more different PNC records.
To date the Data Quality and Integrity Team has only identified one confirmed
match, where two people have the same DNA profile, when the SGM Plus test type
has been used. The two samples in this match were taken from non-identical
siblings. Further work carried out by Forensic Provider laboratories on both DNA
samples looking at additional DNA markers has shown a difference in the DNA
profile of these individuals. Due to the Data Protection Act we are unable to
provide any further details on this case. To date we are unaware of any confirmed
adventitious matches from unrelated individuals.
A large scale statistical analysis of replicate DNA profiles, with a view to increasing
the match probability, has not been carried out. However, the ongoing monitoring
of replicate DNA profiles continues to ensure the quality and integrity of records
held on the National DNA Database.
Further statistical information relating to the NDNAD is published in the National
DNA Database Annual Reports the latest of these is available for download on the
NPIA web-site at http://www.npia.police.uk/en/11403.htm . Previous years reports
are available for download from the Home Office web-site at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/using-science/dna-database/.
Your right to complain
We take our responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act seriously but, if
you feel your request has not been properly handled or you are otherwise
dissatisfied with the outcome of your request, you have the right to complain. We
will investigate the matter and endeavour to reply within 3 – 6 weeks. You should
write to:
David Horne
Director of Resources
National Policing Improvement Agency
10-18 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0NN
E-mail: [email address]
If you are still dissatisfied following our internal review, you have the right, under
section 50 of the Act, to complain directly to the Information Commissioner. Before
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© NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency)
National Policing Improvement Agency
considering your complaint, the Information Commissioner would normally expect
you to have exhausted the complaints procedures provided by the NPIA. The
Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
FOI Compliance Team (complaints)
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Further information about the NPIA is routinely published on our website at
www.npia.police.uk or through our publication scheme. If you require any further
assistance in connection with this request please contact us at our address above.
Yours sincerely,
NDNAD Delivery Unit
NPIA
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© NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency)
