February 23, 2008 ... The tail wagging the dog.

In the wake of another pair (1, 2) of spectacular convictions for murder which featured the use of DNA evidence as a vital factor for the prosecution, the Police have demanded the implementation of a national DNA database to enable future prosecutions to be handled more swiftly and effectively. A key part of this demand is that everyone will be compelled to submit DNA samples, and with no right to know what use the samples may be put to, or whom may have access to the DNA data, officially or unofficially.

There are many arguments as to why this is morally questionable. And there are many arguments as to why it could be a valuable thing to do. However, when everyone’s right to choose if their DNA samples are submitted to a database is denied because of the actions of criminals, the government is failing in its sworn duty to secure our rights to life, property and privacy. And one doesn’t get much more private than one’s DNA.

It is a vital given that the Police as an instrument of government, which, in consort with the judiciary, makes every reasonable effort to thwart crime within the context of the government’s primary responsibilities. It is absolutely not the case that the Police by way of emotionally charged public announcements including Parliamentary lobbying, for instance, are able to force the government’s hand.

Too many of our rights have already been given up in the face of terrorism. We must stop at also handing them over to criminals.