POLICE have defended themselves after criticism about the number of children who had DNA samples taken in Notts.
Twenty-eight aged 16 and under had swabs taken every week in 2011, new figures have revealed.
They included 58 primary school-age children – 12 ten-year-olds and 46 11-year-olds.
It has been suggested that in many cases the child won't have been charged with a criminal offence.
The Howard League for Penal Reform, which has revealed the figures, has argued against so many DNA tests on children.
Notts Police said it was working hard to reduce the number of children being arrested.
The 2011 figure of 1,461 actually marked a fall from 1,852 in 2010.
A spokesman said: "Where appropriate, and on a case-by-case basis, we can seek to find a solution through community resolution or restorative justice rather than the courts. This is, of course, in consultation with all involved parties.
"As a result, in 2012-13, we saw a 42 per cent decrease in the number of young people entering the criminal justice system for the first time."
Under current rules, police can retain indefinitely the DNA of anyone they arrest for a recordable offence. A new law, imposing tighter restrictions on DNA retention, is expected later this year.
Nottingham North MP Graham Allen, who has worked to help young people stay out of trouble, believes police only take DNA samples when necessary.
He said: "I'm supportive of what the police do. If someone is arrested they take DNA samples. This can even lead to other crimes being solved."
Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "When public money is tight and police forces are shrinking, it is disappointing to see valuable crime-fighting resources being wasted on taking DNA samples from thousands of innocent children while serious offences go undetected.
"Children who get into trouble with the police are usually just up to mischief. Treating so many like hardened criminals by taking their DNA seems excessive."
