Police blasted by Home Office for ruining 1,200 'vital' DNA samples

Police white and blue cordon tape separating the crime scene.

More than 1,200 “vital” DNA samples taken by police were ruined because officers failed to seal bags properly, according to a report submitted to the Home Office. The number of errors was described as “frustrating” by the official watchdog, who said the number had increased even though concerns had been raised in previous years.

Samples were taken from suspects in custody and checked by police scientific or forensic services.

Fraser Sampson, the outgoing Commissioner for the Retention and Use of Biometric Material, said: “Failure to seal the bag correctly again features highly, rising from 953 occasions in the last reporting year to 1214 to this year, which is frustrating to see.”

Another 260 samples were unusable due to administrative errors, which include being lost, he said.

And in a report to the Home Secretary, he added: “This is not a case of the science failing us; it is a case of us failing the science.”

The Home Office said it was aware of the issue but pointed out the number of samples affected was only 0.5 per cent of the total loaded on to the police DNA database.

A spokesperson said: “The collection of DNA evidence is a vital tool to help solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice and we expect police officers to apply the highest standards when using these techniques.

“Support is provided through the Good Practice Manual which covers the main aspects of DNA use, including guidance on sampling and retaking when an error is made.”

Mr Sampson also took a parting shot at the Home Office. “Overall, I have been somewhat disappointed both with the level of engagement and the support I have received,” he said.

“Bluntly, there has been a lack of interest and knowledge about my work within the Home Office. This has been far from the Rolls-Royce service I had expected.”

He added: “At no point during my tenure have enjoyed a full complement of staff.”