Andrew Chambers
[FOI #25101 email]
Our Reference: 47018
22nd February 2010
Dear Mr Chambers,
I am writing with reference to your request for information regarding the DNA
Database, dated 23rd December 2009 made under section 1(1) of the Freedom of
Information Act.
You asked for the following information:
Could you please tell me how many familial DNA searches are carried out each
year? [In absolute terms or as a percentage of all searches]
Are familial searches standard procedure if an original search turns up no matches?
What regulations govern the use of familial searches?
In response to your request, we are able to provide you with the following
information.
Could you please tell me how many familial DNA searches are carried out each
year? [In absolute terms or as a percentage of all searches]
The following table shows the figures for each instance that a specialist familial
search of a crime scene profile was carried out against the National DNA Database
(NDNAD) each year since 2004. The figures cover each individual search which has
been manually logged; if a crime scene profile has been repeatedly searched the
figures include each repeat search carried out.
National Policing Improvement Agency
Number of familial
searches carried
Year
out
2004
71
2005
78
2006
62
2007
79
2008
47
2009
26
Are familial searches standard procedure if an original search turns up no matches?
The NDNAD does not routinely perform the familial searching procedure. If an
original search of a crime scene profile against the NDNAD does not produce any
matches familial searches are not a standard procedure and approval for the use of
familial searching must be given by an ACPO level officer. The Information
Commissioner has advised, and ACPO policy states, that in order to comply with the
concept of proportionality under data protection and human rights legislation,
familial searching of the National DNA database will be restricted to the most
serious crime investigations only.
What regulations govern the use of familial searches?
As stated above, ACPO Policy regulates the use of familial searching and each
familial search of the NDNAD must be first approved by an ACPO level officer. If
approval has not been given by the ACPO level officer then the familial search will
not be carried out. Once approved, the familial search is only carried out under the
control of the NDNAD Delivery Unit.
A best practice guide “Tactical Advice - Using Familial DNA Intelligence Product in
Serious Crime Investigations’’ was issued by the Home Office Police Standards Unit
to provide police forces with guidance in the use of familial searching. The Home
Office Legal Advisers and the Information Commissioner were involved in drafting
this advice document.
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/.
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© NPIA (National Policing Improvement Agency)
National Policing Improvement Agency
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
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)
