South Yorkshire: Kids’ DNA samples stored by police

Swabs were taken from 1,146 boys and girls aged 17 or under during 2011 – including 30 primary school age children.

Across England and Wales, police took swabs from almost 54,000 youngsters that year, while in 2010 almost 70,000 samples were taken.

Under current rules, police can retain indefinitely the DNA of anyone they arrest for a recordable offence. But a new law, imposing tighter restrictions on DNA retention, is expected to come into force later this year.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Children who get into trouble with the police are usually just up to mischief. Treating so many like hardened criminals by taking their DNA seems excessive.”

He welcomed the decision to stop storing innocent people’s DNA indefinitely, but said it was unclear how this would affect children.

• Get the Dinnington Guardian for just 63p a week when you subscribe - a saving of 25%. Call 0844 9916464 or click on this link www.subscriptionline.co.uk/WGU