Paul Honigmann
[FOI #15021 email]
Our Reference: 46941
25th November 2009
Dear Mr Honigmann,
I am writing with reference to your request for information regarding the DNA
database, dated 27th October 2009 made under section 1(1) of the Freedom of
Information Act.
You asked for the following information:
You responded that only one full SGS+ non-identical-sibling duplicate has been
identified. I should have asked at the time, what was the sample size? I.e, how
may replicates were checked?
This is further information required on your previous request 46851.
On 3rd November 2009 you confirmed your request to be;
How many profiles were the 'non-identical-sibling' samples compared against?
As explained in your previous response 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. When a subject profile is loaded to the NDNAD it will be compared against
all other subject profiles held on the NDNAD. A report is generated weekly to show
the details of all SGM plus subject profiles that match another SGM plus subject
profile which is on a different PNC record. These are then investigated by DQIT.
Therefore the samples referred to in your previous response would have been
compared against all subject profiles held on the NDNAD at the time when they
were loaded to the NDNAD.
The 2 samples in question were loaded in January 2002 and June 2004
respectively. Everyday thousands of data transactions are executed on the NDNAD
following receipt of DNA sample profile results. The NDNAD is in a state of constant
National Policing Improvement Agency
flux and it is only possible to provide a “snapshot” of its contents at the current
moment in time. We are therefore unable to determine exactly how many subject
profiles were retained on the NDNAD at the times these samples were loaded to the
NDNAD and therefore how many profiles they would have been compared against.
The only estimate we can provide is from figures obtained at the time. From
previously published figures the approximate number of subject profiles held on the
NDNAD at the end March 2002 was 1.7 million and at the end of April 2004 it was
2.5 million.
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/14189.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
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
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© NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency)
National Policing Improvement Agency
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)
