The use of DNA in solving crimes has led to a revolution in police work and the legal profession. But the United States still lags behind other countries in establishing a central database for criminal DNA records. Williams (sociology, University of Durham) and Johnson (sociology, University of Surrey) trace the development of a national DNA database in the United Kingdom. They explain the state of the technology, what it can and can't do. Then they discuss the legislation that followed on as a result. The popular support for a database is clear to the authors but they also point out that there are still a number of legal and moral issues that haven't been resolved. While in favor of continued use of the DNA database, they caution that more safeguards are necessary in order that it not be misused. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)