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. You can also ask your MP to make sure that the new Protection of Freedoms Bill requires your records (or those of others) to be deleted automatically in the future if they are no longer needed.
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, Theresa May, about your case, and ask her when she 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 Theresa May about your case.
If you are not on the DNA database you should still contact your MP if you want to make sure the new Protection of Freedoms Bill includes all the safeguards that are needed.
Improvements can be made to the Protection of Freedoms Bill if MPs hear from lots of people all proposing the same or similar ideas. Your MP will vote on the Bill before it becomes law and can also propose changes (amendments) to it.
If you are an innocent person with a record on the DNA database this is your chance to persuade your MP that your police record should be deleted, as well as your DNA and fingerprint records. This is important because your police record can be used to refuse you a visa or a job even if you have not been convicted of any offence.
You may also wish to propose some of the other changes suggested on the further action page or in the GeneWatch parliamentary briefing.
For example, if you have a caution or conviction for a minor offence or your child has more than one warning or reprimand, you may wish to persuade your MP that your or your child’s records should not be kept for life.
The most effective thing to do is to ring your MP’s constituency office and ask to make an appointment to see him or her, but you can also write a letter or send an email.
In your letter or email or when you see your MP you can:
- Tell your MP you welcome the Protection of Freedoms Bill and would like him or her to support the deletion of innocent people’s DNA and fingerprint records and destruction of DNA samples.
- Ask your MP to make sure that the Bill is amended to ensure the deletion of police records at the same time as DNA and fingerprint records.
- Ask your MP to support any other changes that you wish to see.