Figures released by the National Policing Improvement Agency reveal that Essex Police have collected the DNA of 841 people aged between 10 and 14 this year.
The figures, from the National DNA Database (NDNAD), were released following a Freedom of Information request by a member of the public.
The DNA is collected by the police using oral swabs, and kept regardless of whether the children and young people were charged with an offence.
Nationwide, the DNA of over 1 million people aged under 16 is currently held.
Locally, more DNA is held on young people aged between 15 and 17.
In 2009, Essex Police took DNA samples from 1,102 young people in this age category.
Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate for Southend West Peter Welch said:
“Storing the DNA of thousands of innocent young people as young as ten is unlikely to solve our crime problems, but is a costly way of stigmatising young people.
“The Essex Police are not the worst on this but they have been heavily involved.
“On average they have taken DNA samples from more than 25 children under the age of 14 week in, week out for whole of the last decade.
“I’d like to know exactly how this information has helped to tackle crime and the fear of crime.”
