Is a DNA database a good idea?

Plumpynutt

Taken from thejournal.ie

http://www.thejournal.ie/poll-dna-database-1078447-Sep2013/?utm_source=facebook_short

THE GOVERNMENT IS expected to publish legislation later today that will allow for the setting up of a new DNA database in Ireland.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter will set out the details of the new bill, but so far we know that the new law will compel sex offenders, criminals convicted of serious crimes, and those suspected of serious crimes to provide their DNA for the new database.
The database will help to solve crimes and trace missing persons, but civil liberties groups and others may have concerns about the indefinite retention of people’s information if the Garda Commissioner deems it necessary.

So, what say you AH? Personally, I don't think I agree with it. While it may compel serious offenders now, I can see it being gradually phased in until everyone is on the database, and the idea doesn't sit comfortably with me

Seachmall

Don't mind offenders being recorded, isn't much different from fingerprinting them. Although I'm not sure if I care if non-offenders are recorded, intuitively I'm against the idea but I'm sure I could be persuaded that it'd be a good idea.

Wacker The Attacker

Its possible that the cons could at least match the pros.

People suspected?
Good way of ensuring the world's population gets on it so, hey you we suspect you get over here

No, it's not a good idea

wolfpawnat

Rapists should definitely be DNA recorded, as should murderers, since in Ireland you seem to be let out again in a decade at most. Can't see why minor crimes such as non payment of child maintenance would need it. And as you all of us being on it with no reason, bit too "Big Brother" for my liking. But serious offenders are a definate to me.

bumper234

It's a great idea and should have been done years ago imo

Plumpynutt

bluewolf wrote: »

People suspected?
Good way of ensuring the world's population gets on it so, hey you we suspect you get over here

No, it's not a good idea

My sentiments exactly

frag420

Why would we need a database for the National Dyslexic Association??

jester77

It's great, unless you have something to hide.

AnonoBoy

"If I am to ever build my clone army of rapists, murderers and deviants then yes access to such a DNA database would practically be essential."

- Professor Jonathan "Doom" Daly

jester77

frag420 wrote: »

Why would we need a database for the National Dyslexic Association??

So that things don't get mixed up

biko

For me, anyone convicted of a crime with jail sentence should be DNA'd. And especially any jailbirds with a violent history.
There's plenty of crimes now, particularly rapes, that have been cleared up because a DNA sample was taken from a suspect and compared against a DB.
It's also cleared some people.

Artful_Badger

Whether the conspiracy theorists have a genuine concern and something happens or doesn't happen in the future it doesn't change the fact that a criminal DNA database is a great idea and will be of benefit.

bluewolf

bluewolf wrote: »

People suspected?
Good way of ensuring the world's population gets on it so, hey you we suspect you get over here

No, it's not a good idea

Sure the new iPhone will have users' fingerprints recorded, it's pretty much done anyway.

Amirani

Irish Times is reporting that this will be intended only for people who have received a prison sentence of at least 5 years, which is obviously a bit different. Using it for proven criminals like this would probably be beneficial for society as a whole, as well as the criminals themselves.

ancapailldorcha

Could be a good idea. Quicker to track repeat offenders.

Holsten

Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but if they haw your DNA on file, couldn't it be planted at a crime scene?

Perfect way to frame someone!

I'm against it anyway.

bellylint

Holsten wrote: »

Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but if they haw your DNA on file, couldn't it be planted at a crime scene?

Perfect way to frame someone!

I'm against it anyway.

No more than they have your fingerprints. They record 'how it looks', that's what they keep on file, not a vast bank of your bits.