The government says it is "carefully considering" the judgment
by the European Court of Human Rights that holding DNA data on
innocent people is "unlawful".
Yesterday's unanimous decision by 17 judges stated that keeping
the information "could not be regarded as necessary in a democratic
society".
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was "disappointed" by the
decision, and said the existing law will remain in place for the
time being.
The decision to uphold a complaint by two Sheffield men about
their DNA being kept on the controversial
DNA database, despite not being convicted of an offence, is a
blow to the government. The current policy is to keep the DNA of
anyone who is arrested for a recordable offence.
Smith said, "DNA and fingerprinting is vital to the fight
against crime, providing the police with more than 3,500 matches a
month.
"The government mounted a robust defence before the court and I
strongly believe DNA and fingerprints play an invaluable role in
fighting crime and bringing people to justice.
"The existing law will remain in place while we carefully
consider the judgement."