New EU powers for DNA sampling

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New EU proposals on crime could allow one member state to order another member state to obtain a DNA sample off a suspect it is investigating.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the EU is considering an EU-wide search warrant. If adopted, law enforcement in an EU state could order British police to seize the bank account details, obtain fingerprints or a DNA sample, intercept phone calls and set up CCTV surveillance on a suspect.

The government's response to these plans said it supported the idea in principle, but was concerned that other states may use the powers for trivial matters and over-burden British police forces.

Home Office minister Meg Hillier said: "We would in principle support a new and comprehensive instrument based on mutual recognition that covers all types of evidence."

But a Conservative government would ensure that Britain did not opt into the scheme, said Dominic Grieve, the shadow justice minister.

He added: "Civil liberties campaigners are right to be concerned about this extension of state power across national boundaries.

"Giving states which do not afford citizens the same legal protections as the UK the right to demand DNA samples, intercept communications or snoop on the personal data of British citizens is a worrying development.

"In supporting this proposal, Labour is yet again showing its relish for surveillance and disdain for civil liberties."

Called the European Evidence Warrant, it is expected to come into force in 2011.