NPIA and the DNA Database
In April 2007, responsibility for the delivery of National DNA Database (NDNAD) services was transferred from the Home Office to the NPIA. The agency's role is to run the database operations and maintain and ensure the integrity of the data. The NPIA is responsible for overseeing the National DNA Database service, ensuring that it is operated in line with agreed standards. We are also responsible for accrediting all the scientific laboratories that analyse DNA samples and oversee the contract for the operation and maintenance of the National DNA Database. The National DNA Database Strategy Board provides governance and oversight of the operation of the NDNAD. It operates under the tripartite arrangements for the governance of policing, comprising members from the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Home Office/ NPIA and the Association of Police Authorities. The Chair of the Board is Gary Pugh, who is the Director of Forensic Services of the Metropolitan Police. Lay representation at meetings is provided by two members of the Human Genetics Commission (HGC). Gary Pugh has proposed that membership of the Board should be extended to include the DNA Ethics Group, Human Genetics Commission (HGC), National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the Forensic Science Regulator as well as representation from Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) as observers. The government has also recommended that the NDNAD Strategy Board be restructured to have more external, independent membership. The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) has since carried out an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) of the NDNAD and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) DNA Good Practice Manual which provides guidance for police forces on the use of DNA, including the taking of DNA samples from persons in custody. Stage 1 Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) of the NDNAD and the ACPO DNA Good Practice Manual were undertaken and completed by the NPIA in 2007. These were initial screening assessments to identify any potential equality issues in processes. The EIAs have highlighted areas that may have an adverse impact on different under represented groups and contain recommendations about how to address any such impact. The NPIA Equality Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) team is currently working with the Police Science and Forensics Unit and representatives from ACPO and the NDNAD Ethics Group to implement the recommendations made within these EIAs. The work undertaken to date suggests that any bias in proportionality is likely to result from over-representation in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) as a whole and is not the result of inherent bias in the processes. Work on the NDNAD EIA recommendations will continue. It will also address any further issues arising following the implementation of the new DNA Retention Framework in conjunction with the NDNAD Strategy Board to ensure that equality issues are identified and considered as early as possible. Role of the NPIA in the National DNA Database
Role of the National DNA Database Strategy Board
Equality Impact Assessment of the National DNA Database
A number of organisations have expressed concern about the proportion of black persons on the NDNAD. The report of the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry: Young Black People and the Criminal Justice System, published in October 2007, recommended that the Government should conduct a study to determine the implications of the presence of a high proportion of the black male population on the NDNAD.
Following on from Stage 1, the NPIA conducted a Stage 2 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) review. The Stage 2 EIA looked in greater depth at any potential equality issues which were identified in the initial Stage 1 EIAs. Copies of the Stage 1 EIAs and the Stage 2 EIA have been published above.
