Racism in the UK: Three-Fourths of Black Men in DNA Database
This would not be a particularly shocking story were it taking place in a vacuum.
From the Daily Telegraph (UK):
Three in four young black men on the DNA databaseBy Ben Leapman, Home Affairs correspondent, The Sunday Telegraph (12:13am GMT 05/11/2006)
Race watchdogs are to investigate the national DNA database over revelations that up to three quarters of young black men will soon have their profiles stored. Trevor Phillips, the chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), vowed to examine whether the database breached race relations laws following the findings by The
Sunday Telegraph. "This is tantamount to criminalising a generation of young black men," he said.An estimated 135,000 black males aged 15 to 34 will be entered in the crime-fighting- database by April, equivalent to as many as 77 per cent of the young black male population in England and Wales. By contrast, only 22 per cent of young white males, and six per cent of the general population, will be on the database.
All arrested crime suspects have their DNA taken and their profile stored for life, even if they are later cleared or the arrest is found to be a case of mistaken identity.
All arrested crime suspects. This makes racial profiling particular relevant -- the "traffic stop" for "no reason" now has a tragic upshot, the suspect's DNA is now "on file." Even if the person is later cleared. Even if it's a mistaken identity. Were cops not exhibiting blatant racism in their stop-and-search procedures, this would be a non-issue.
But of course:
Mr Phillips disclosed that his officials will investigate whether the policy of retaining DNA from suspects who are never convicted of a crime results in discrimination against black men, who are more likely to come into contact with police than their white counterparts."Stop and search statistics suggest that black males are more likely to be stopped simply because they are young black males," he said. "This database figure is just perpetuating this stereotype, and does nothing to instil confidence in a measure that seeks to serve all members of our community. It is provocative, unfair and unjust and will do little to reduce crime.
"It would be fairer to have a database that restricts itself to storing the DNA profiles of those who are convicted, rather than this fast and loose approach, which opens up the potential for discrimination.
How DID they arrive at their 3/4 number anyway?
The figures arise from Home Office projections released to Bob Spink, a Conservative MP, which show that by April 2007 the DNA database will hold 3.7 million profiles, including three million "white-skinned Europeans" and 257,099 "Afro-Caribbeans".The Home Office could not break down the figures for each ethnic group by age or sex. But, in general, 82 per cent of individuals on the entire database are male, while 64 per cent are aged 15 to 34.
It means that, assuming a similar sex and age balance for all ethnic groups, there will be 135,000 young black men on the database next April.
Figures for the last census in 2001 showed there were 175,000 black men, aged between 15 and 34, in England and Wales.
And then do the math.
But regardless. Driving while black means that your DNA is now no longer private?
Racism should not be given the legislative power to cause this much damage.
