Biometrics: Databases

The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) Unit manages the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and other national DNA databases on behalf of policing. The Home Office Biometrics Programme provides maintenance and development support of the IT system which contains the databases.

The DNA databases administered by FINDS are as follows:

• The National DNA Database (NDNAD) holds DNA profile records taken from individuals arrested under the appropriate legislation (e.g. PACE) and also from crime scenes. The data provides the police with matches linking an individual to a crime scene or a crime scene to another crime scene.

• The Missing Persons DNA Database (MPDD) holds DNA profile records attributed to missing persons; including where an existing record for the missing person is available from the NDNAD, where a DNA profile is able to be developed from the belongings of a missing person, or from the close relatives of the missing person (who will have similar DNA) who have volunteered their DNA to be included on the MPDD.

• The Vulnerable Persons DNA Database (VPDD) holds the DNA profile records of people who are at risk (or who consider themselves at risk) of harm (for instance due to child sexual exploitation or honour-based abuse) and have asked for their profile to be added to the database.

• The Centralised DNA Contamination Elimination Database (CED) holds profiles generated from DNA samples provided by police officers and police staff, and from other individuals with potential to introduce contamination into the DNA supply chain, such as staff employed in DNA sampling and processing.