Should I Make A Run For It?

[Zeuhl]

The police have just phoned me from outside my house.

They are now on their way to my offices to take a DNA cheek swab for a 30 year old murder enquiry in which they have a full DNA profile of the attacker.

Hopefully the technology is reliable

If not, it's been nice knowing you all

[mikey4444]

This in intriguing Zeuhl. Are they taking swabs from everybody in your area ?
I am somewhat puzzled why you should be asked, but I don't want to intrude on your private affairs.

[mikey4444]

Just to add, I would be calling my solicitor before agreeing to this. Its very strange.

[joggerjayne]

It depends.

If you're the murderer, then yes ... you need to make a run for it.

[Svejk]

its hardly news(except to you). you should repost it in 'riddles' or something.

[joggerjayne]

"Cheek swab"?

Is that like a cotton bud inside your mouth?

If they ask you to remove your trousers, then "cheek swab" means something different altogether.

And again ... then you should make a run for it.

[aelmpvw]

why do they ring you thereby giving you a head start if you're doing a runner?

[Baldric]

That's a lot of info for the Police to give out over the 'phone,
Not a Singing Telegram is it?

[Zeuhl]

True Mikey - I'll be carefully checking warrant cards

We lived very close to the murder spot in Bath (we now live in Sussex) and I was interviewed at the time.

Apparently they are now 'trying to eliminate' any male who featured in the enquiries/was in the immediate area.

The detective assures me samples are not retained beyond this enquiry....

and of course i believe him, he didn't sound at all plebbish on the phone LOL

if i asked a colleague to 'stand in for me' how would they know? I'll ask the police when they arrive.

[Old_Geezer]

Surely you need to do so voluntarily or be charged or something first ? Not a police state when they can collect DNA on demand.

[hc4361]

You don't need a solicitor - the advice would be to co-operate with the police and give the swab.

[Zeuhl]

I'll let you all know if a full body search is required

[ummmm]

It's not unusual is it? For police to ask for DNA samples for elimination purposes?

[youngmafbog]

Don't worry, you will be out after 8 years - maybe.

Personally I would not trust Plod further than I could spit. finger prints I have given in the past when there was a murder where I worked. DNA is another thing though. If your DNA has got onto something else (through secondary contamination) they have on file you will be pulled up for that.

[Zeuhl]

I'm sure it's not unusual

and he also assured me they don't pass the samples to the CSA

[ummmm]

Lol.

[Zeuhl]

/If your DNA has got onto something else (through secondary contamination) they have on file you will be pulled up for that./

Good point YMB

Oh sh1t!

Which employee can I coerce who looks like he might be a well-preserved 58?

[mikey4444]

The mist has cleared somewhat Zeuhl. This is a difficult one and no mistake.

In your position I would probably want to assist the Police in any way I could, but I would still seek legal advice first.

If we could still trust our Police wholeheartedly than it might be different but those days are sadly over now. What kind of cast-iron guarantee do you have that this sample will be discarded and not used another time something happens in Bath ?