Report urges Police Scotland to rethink data procedures after concerns about DNA ethnicity data recording and potential over-representation.
New rules would match the UK’s DNA database. This database tracks ethnic groups and DNA storage, revealing possible over-representation issues. Black people are 7.5% of the UK database, but they are only 4% of the UK population.
Biometric data includes things like DNA and photos. Dr. Plastow reviewed DNA use in Scotland and found Police Scotland lacking key data. They couldn’t give info on ethnicity in the DNA database because this database is old and wasn’t built for such data.
Police Scotland doesn’t properly track ethnicity, which is concerning, Dr. Plastow said. Past leaders admitted to racism within Police Scotland, so over-representation can’t be ruled out.
Police Scotland gave arrest data instead, but this data was incomplete and unreliable. DNA helps solve only a few Scottish crimes yearly; yet, these crimes tend to be very serious ones. DNA may give leads in only 0.34% of cases, but these leads can be very important.
DNA probably helps solve under 1000 crimes each year. New DNA tech got a lot of investment; this tech is advanced.
However, criminals re-arrested often don’t give new samples. Existing DNA profiles on file prevent this, thus most profiles are not up to the new standard.
Better DNA profiles could speed probes up and would rule out innocent people faster. Proper data recording supports fair policing and can also boost public trust.
The report wants a plan for biometrics by 2025. This strategy needs clear goals and will cover the next three to ten years. A clear plan helps keep public confidence.
Police Scotland will look at the report closely and consider the ideas carefully. They will check that suggestions are fair and appropriate. Some changes are already underway, Police Scotland noted.
Ethnicity data exists in another system. Scotland’s police will explore data alignment.