Sex offender DNA files expanded

BBC | Police in Fife have become the first in Scotland to fully manage DNA samples from non-registered sex offenders. The force has started collecting swabs from people convicted before 1997 or who hold no record for sex crimes but are considered a potential danger.

Legislation only requires that DNA samples are kept on a database for registered sex offenders.

Officers have no power to force people to give their DNA but said they have had high levels of co-operation.

The system of managing the data is the same one used to keep track of registered sex offenders.

Eliminating suspects

Swabs are taken from the volunteer’s cheek and samples are stored in a forensic laboratory in Dundee.

Officers said that when a crime occurs, having a broader range of samples allows them to eliminate suspects more quickly.

Det Sgt Nigel Orkney, from the offender management unit, said: “Most importantly, it sends a powerful message to these offenders that they are more likely to be caught, proving an effective deterrent.

“We also hope it reassures the public that we are doing all we can to effectively manage our offenders and keep the risk of reoffending to a minimum.”

Fife Constabulary started gathering the DNA samples last year but now has in place a fully integrated system of managing registered and non-registered sex offenders.

Officers are continuing to collect DNA swabs to enter into the database.

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