A big problem with ID as I see it, is ID theft.
If I have your detailsa and appy for a card and get it. Other people will assume that this ID is unassailable proof of identity. Making further fraud more easy.
If you then later apply for ID then you will have to prove you are who you say you are with even more effrot than before. That assumes that the databse will recognise two applications. and if it does the authorities will be able to act.
In todays high tech world it is easier to forge documents, bank letters, utility bills etc. Gone are the days when the average criminal did not have access tot eh machinery to forge a simple ID.
When I was in the military I had an ID, anyone with a laminating machine could have faked. How much more so now.
Semi-rant begins[
Although there are human rights issues, a national DNA database does make sense. This way detaction of crime is easier. And if the police pull someone in who does not have DNA on file, then they are easy to identify.
There is the potential for miscarriages of justice. Like that doesn't happen now? But the chances of wrongful ID are much lower than a police line up.
Police would love it, but the main thing to remeber about deterence, is - It is not about the severity of the punishment, it is about the odds of getting caught. Ask any drink driver int eh remote rural areas of Britain, where dring driving is still rife BTW.
]semi-rant over.