The Editor, Sir:

I note with interest the letter from Jean Seaga Anderson and commend her on her observation. I would advocate that the police be given the opportunity to go further and that is to do what is done here in the United Kingdom where the Criminal Justice Act 2003 allows DNA to be taken on arrest, rather than on charge.

Since April 2004, when this law came into force, anyone arrested in England and Wales, on suspicion of involvement in any recordable offence (all except the most minor offences), has his/her DNA sample taken and stored in the database for 100 years, whether they are subsequently charged or convicted.

I believe that any intrusion on personal privacy is proportionate to the benefits that are gained.

The use of the database would have to be heavily regulated and might be expensive to maintain. However, in light of the current crime situation, can we afford not to establish and maintain one?

I am, etc,

EVERETT MORGAN

rembrandteyes@yahoo.com

Brighton, UK

Via Go-Jamaica