Public and Commercial Services Union

DNA Database – E Petition

Matilda McAttram , director of Black Mental Health was a guest speaker at last year’s national PCS Black Members’ Seminar. Seminar participants were alerted to the dangers of the DNA database that has criminalized black men and their families, in particular those from African Caribbean backgrounds.

Although the government has been forced to reconsider its blanket retention of DNA samples, what has been proposed is not satisfactory.

As a result Black Mental Health as developed an on line E-Petition. The petition is calling for all innocent DNA profile and samples to be removed from the criminal database.

The manner in which the state has decided to collect and retain DNA profile and samples undermines the rule of law in that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Forum members are asked to

• Highlight the campaign at GECs
• sign the petition and encourage other people on their GECs and networks to sign the petition as well: Sign the DNA Petition at the number10 petitions site

If you need a speaker’s brief or a speaker at the your GEC or network please contact Lorna Campbell on 020 7801 2683, or email lorna@pcs.org.uk or equality@pcs.org.uk

Regional Network Convenors

All regional convenors are asked to update their networks on this new development with a view to encouraging members to sign the on line petition.

PCS Black Members @PCS Annual Delegate Conference

It is hoped that the E petition will be an activity on Black members' stall at Annual Delegate Conference. It is also hoped Matilda McAttram will attend as guest speaker at the fringe meeting on 19 May.