Paul Hangman
[FOI #15021 email]
Our Reference: 47058
26th February 2010
Dear Mr Hangman,
I am writing with reference to your request for information regarding the DNA
database, dated 31st January, 2010 made under section 1(1) of the Freedom of
Information Act.
You asked for the following information in relation to DNA profiles/samples relating
to non recordable offences:
thank you for the response to my query. You have explained that there are
two _confirmed_ cases of duplicate SGM+ DNA profiles known to the NPIA
after investigating 7165 replicates.
Interestingly your point 8 could be interpreted to mean that there are,
additionally, almost 1900 pairs of matches for which you offer no
explanation, ie:
7165 - (2x1092 confirmed from twins) - (3x3 confirmed from triplets) -
(1183 confirmed from false ID's etc) - (2x2 known actual duplicates) = 3785
unexplained replicates, or 1892.5 pairs.
I think this could be worth further enquiry. It may simply be that the DQIT
team has not yet had time to check out the remaining replicates thoroughly,
or I have misinterpreted your point 8.
Perhaps they have been determined to differ at STR's outside the usual
SGM+ profile.
I can confirm that the NPIA holds the information you have requested.
1. All the 7165 replicate profiles provided in Point 8 of FOIA 46983 have been
investigated and relate to 3566 groups of profiles. The figures provided in relation
to identical twins, triplets and profiles from the same individual relate to replicate
groups. Each replicate group investigated by the Data Quality and Integrity Team
(DQIT) may contain more than 2 DNA profiles e.g. If an individual had been
sampled three times under Police National Computer (PNC) ID1 and his/her twin
brother/sister sampled once under PNCID2, this would be counted as four replicate
profiles, but only 1 set of identical twins.
National Policing Improvement Agency
2. In the response provided by the NPIA to FOIA 46983 it was stated that if there is
enough evidence to confirm two matching DNA samples were taken from the same
individual, the DQIT will request the owning Police Force to merge the two PNC
records. An example of this evidence would include matching fingerprints on the
two PNC records. As stated in the response to FOIA 46983 there were 1183 groups
of profiles where this occurred. If there is less evidence, but there is a strong
indication that the samples were taken from the same individual then a ‘may be
identical’ information marker is entered onto each PNC record by DQIT. The
information marker alerts any operator/officer viewing the records that there is a
strong indication that they relate to the same individual. All available information
from both the Police National Computer and the Police Force that owns the DNA
sample is used to assess each replicate group. If it is suspected that two matching
DNA samples do not relate to the same individual further work will be carried out
by the Forensic Provider laboratories to look at additional DNA markers. In the
period 01/01/07 – 10/12/09 DQIT placed a ‘may be identical’ marker onto 1162
groups of records where the supporting information provides a strong indication
that the matching DNA samples were taken from the same individual.
In summary, the 3566 groups of profiles are as follows:
Twins - 1092
Triplets - 3
Known actual duplicates - 2
False identities - 1183
Groups which may be identical - 1162
Groups with an anomaly - 125 (details are provided in point 3)
Total - 3567
3. During the period 01/01/07 – 10/12/09 DQIT have investigated approximately
125 groups where there was an anomaly with a record held in the group. If an
anomaly is discovered this will be reported to the owning Police Force and the
record is either amended, deleted or the samples re-analysed as appropriate.
Further statistical information relating to the NDNAD is also published in the
National DNA Database Annual Reports. The most recently published NDNAD
Annual reports are available for download on the NPIA website 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:
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© NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency) 2007
National Policing Improvement Agency
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
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) 2007
