Avoiding the "usual suspects": young people's views of the National DNA Database

Abstract The aim of this project was to explore the views of young people, in particular those whose details are held on the National DNA Database (NDNAD), about some of the social and ethical issues surrounding the NDNAD. Ten focus groups revealed the majority of participants supported a universal DNA database; many thought taking a DNA sample should depend on the seriousness of the crime rather than the age of the person and that profiles of innocent people should be kept on the NDNAD. Participants' main concern regarding their information being held on the NDNAD was that the police might be able to frame them for a crime because they had access to their DNA. We suggest that policymakers hold further public debates regarding the NDNAD, with a greater variety of people, in order to ensure that the views of all members of society are addressed and protected and that there is greater understanding about the regulation of the NDNAD.