|
DNA Databases Already Being Abused
Parking attendants are being given DNA swabs to help identify motorists who spit at them. Saliva samples will be analysed in a laboratory and cross-checked against millions of DNA profiles on the police national computer. A match could bring prosecution for common assault. Hundreds of the £1 "spit kits" are being handed out to the 250 attendants in Westminster this week in a trial backed by contractor NCP. The £200-a-time cost of the DNA checks will be met by the police. The scheme is expected to be rolled out across London if it proves a success. The move comes after the Evening Standard revealed last week that police are to guard parking wardens following a rise in attacks. Three are assaulted in the capital each day, some being attacked with baseball bats and knives. NCP security chief Gordon McLardy said: "Spit kits have already been used by Transport for London and a number of bus companies and have led to a marked reduction in incidents." Which, of course, is far easier than trying to find out why people are spitting in the first place, and perhaps (gasp!), trying to offend them less. Posted by: Anonymoose 2005-05-17 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=119382 |