Contact your MP
Many MPs are concerned about the rapid expansion of the National DNA Database, particularly the retention of DNA from innocent people and the inclusion of large numbers of children and young black men.
You can use the They Work for You website to find out about your MP.
You can also write to your MP directly from the Write to Them website.
If you visit or write to your MP, this will increase the chance of getting your DNA destroyed and your computer records removed.
If you have a record on the DNA database you can:
- Tell your MP why you want your DNA destroyed and your records deleted and explain what happened when you were arrested.
- Send your MP a copy of the letter you have sent to the Chief Constable from the Write your letter page on this website. Please do not copy and paste the letter into WriteToThem.
- Ask your MP to write to the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, about your case, and ask him when he expects your records to be deleted.
You can do the same if it was your child who was arrested.
Even if your MP does not agree with you, you can still ask him or her to write to the Home Secretary Alan Johnson about your case.
If you are not on the DNA database you should still contact your MP if you disagree with what the Government is doing.
You can:
- Explain that keeping permanent records of arrest, linked to DNA and fingerprints, is unprecedented in British history.
- Tell your MP why you are concerned about this.
- Explain that the Government’s new plans to keep DNA records for 6 to 12 years after arrest are inadequate to protect people’s rights.
- Ask him or her to write to the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, asking why innocent people’s records have not yet been deleted from the DNA database.
- Ask him or her to ask a question in parliament about when innocent people’s DNA will be destroyed and their records removed from the database.
Remember that you or your child could become the next person to be added to the database.