Police say sorry for coercing DNA sample from teen

A written apology is on its way from police to Auckland woman Brenda Barnes after her son was offered a choice on a minor traffic matter - pay a $400 fine or give a DNA sample.

Richard Barnes, 17, opted to give a DNA sample but his mother said it was wrong and complained to police.

Today she said the sample had been destroyed and a verbal apology to her at her Remuera home would be followed by a written apology.

Police Minister Annette King also confirmed a police investigation had begun and the policeman who took the sample could face disciplinary action.

An Auckland criminal lawyer told the Herald today that he had heard of other instances in which his younger clients have been offered cigarettes while being held in custody in return for giving their DNA.

Mrs Barnes said she supported police and she supported the process of taking DNA samples to identify criminals but the way they took a sample from her son was wrong. She said today she was happy with the police response.

"Hopefully, it has highlighted to them that a couple of members of the police force have let the side down," she said.

"It doesn't matter how many rules and regulations and procedures and manuals you have, there is always someone who manages to screw it up.

"I admire them for the job they do in the most, but every now and then one or two let the side down."

Mrs Barnes said police had admitted her son's DNA should never have been taken by offering him a choice of that or a fine. "They have assured me his DNA is not on file."

She said it was not processed and did not make it onto the police database.

"Having the DNA on file is not really the main issue here. I do think it is the way it was obtained. My own interpretation of it is that if someone's DNA is on file police already have them linked as suspects for something or another.

"Richard's only crime was a minor traffic infringement and probably a fine would have been more appropriate -- hit them in the pocket where they remember it."

She said they were both embarrassed about the media attention it had attracted but were happy with the outcome.

- NZPA