§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for a DNA database of paedophiles. [133419]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe National Database holds DNA profiles for those suspected, or convicted, of a recordable offence. This includes paedophiles.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the additional policing resources required for the protection of school children as a result of the identification of paedophiles by theNews of the World newspaper. [133420]
§ Mr. BoatengThe newspaper article in theNews of the World was regrettable. It may undermine the valuable work done by the police and probation services in monitoring the activities of sex offenders in the community.
We do not know how many offenders have left, or may leave, their homes or are in the process of changing their identities, or will do so in anticipation of the newspaper identifying them. Such moves add to police work.
I understand from inquiries my officials have made, that the police are currently putting their resources into monitoring, supporting or protecting identified sex offenders and their families, and in at least one case, to handling an attack on an innocent man and women.
I am sure that forces will keep under review whether they need to put further resources into this area.