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Familial searching, inferring ethnicity, and research uses

Familial searching, inferring ethnicity, and research uses. Dr Bronwyn Parry Reader in Social and Cultural Geography, Queen Mary University of London. Expanding uses of the DNA Database. PACE Act 1984 states that forensic databases may only be used for: the prevention or detection of crime

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Familial searching, inferring ethnicity, and research uses

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  1. Familial searching, inferring ethnicity, and research uses Dr Bronwyn Parry Reader in Social and Cultural Geography, Queen Mary University of London

  2. Expanding uses of the DNA Database • PACE Act 1984 states that forensic databases may only be used for: • the prevention or detection of crime • the investigation of an offence • the conduct of a prosecution • identifying a deceased person or a body part • Subject to wide interpretation • Robust ethical oversight is crucial

  3. Familial searching • It is possible to search for relatives of person whose DNA was found at crime scene • Public concern about intrusion into family privacy • Our view: • should not used unless necessary and proportionate • more research needed on usefulness

  4. Inferring ethnicity • DNA collected from individuals is allocated to one of seven ethnic groups by police: • Now, research using this information has enabled likely ethnicity of a DNA sample to be inferred • Afro-Caribbean Oriental • Arab Dark Skinned European • Asian White Skinned European • Other

  5. Inferring ethnicity II Problems: • Process is subjective • Classification of ‘races’ not supported by genetic research • Limited usefulness, e.g. ethnicity is only loosely linked to appearance Our view: • Ethnic inferencing should not be routinely used, and should be used with great caution

  6. Non-operational research • The Database can be used for other research purposes • By end of 2006, 33 requests to conduct research, 19 approved • However, information about this research is inadequate • We recommend: regular publication of further details

  7. Non-operational research II We recommend: • Research proposals should be independently and transparently evaluated • Companies with access to biological samples should sign agreement • DNA samples sent to companies or researchers should be anonymised • Research using DNA Database should be subject to same safeguards as medical research

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