How long should DNA be kept on a database?

[Ian MVC]

The DNA profiles of innocent people arrested in England and Wales will not be held for longer than six years, the Home Office has confirmed. Should there be a time limit?

Police may be allowed to keep indefinitely DNA from those arrested for terrorism, even if they are later released or found not guilty at trial.

Police say the DNA database has helped solve crimes, but human rights groups say the change does not go far enough.

Both opposition parties want the database to follow the Scottish model where DNA samples are kept for no longer than five years.

How long should DNA profiles of innocent people be kept? Is six years too long or not enough? Has your DNA been stored on the database?

My opinion is that six years is a joke. If you're innocent then it should be removed near enough instantly!!!!!!!!!!!

[donkeypaul]

I've always kind of felt uneasy about them potentially holding my DNA forever because it seems creepy. But on the other hand, some criminals remain at large for decades - even if they've been hauled up for other crimes in the interim. A case in point was the Yorkshire Ripper. He might have been caught a good few years earlier had their been some record of his DNA on file.

My only concern really is how reliable the DNA actually is. From my understanding, it isn't foolproof by any means - particularly when sample sizes get very small. In the US, for example, the required size to make a properly admissable sample is much bigger than here.

Ultimately, I can't quite see what the harm is of them having my DNA: it's not like they can clone me or anything. So I think 6 years is probably a reasonable compromise. I can't believe I'm saying that, cos I hate the government