New technology that allows police to test DNA samples within custody suites without needing specialist forensic training is causing concern among civil liberties groups, The Independent has reported.
Trials of the new DNA testing technology, called RapidHIT, are being carried out with police forces across the UK, including Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Scotland Yard. It was developed in the US by IntegenX and is being marketed in Britain by Key Forensic Services.
Officers are allowed to operate the equipment after a two-week training course. Potentially it will enable them to retrieve DNA samples from cigarette butts, cups and clothing, IntegenX has boasted. Patrick Carroll, senior director of international sales at the firm, said he expected to see the technology used in all major UK custody suites in the near future.
He confirmed that data is currently double-checked by a forensic expert, but said that officers could soon be able to input information directly into the national database.
However, civil liberties groups and lawyers have warned that the technology could lead to the infringement of civil liberties and compromised evidence.
Emma Carr, director of Big Brother Watch, said that the UK’s DNA database is one of the largest in the world – and gathering DNA using this technology will only contribute to the problem.
“There has been little to no information given about the fact that these sorts of tests are being carried out and what checks are in place,” she commented.
And Raj Chada, a partner at Hodge, Jones & Allen solicitors, warned that carrying out the tests in a custody suite could increase the potential for contamination compared with the sterile environment of a forensic lab.
“This is not a pregnancy test where you can say yes or no. You still have to interpret the analysis to show whether or not it’s a hit, and one would have concerns as to whether or not the police or this machine have the capability of doing that,” he said.
The National DNA Database Strategy Board confirmed in September 2014 that the technology was being accredited, although it did note some concerns around the “business model that was driving its development”.
Paul Hackett, managing director of Key Forensic Services, said the technology presents no more risk than current DNA testing, which also carries risks.
Shannon Greenhalgh, Misco News