http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=a82d75a5846357315237f8c49625dec6(NOTE FROM ME - a few days old but interesting and frightening.)
News Analysis, Marcelo Ballve,
Pacific News Service, Jul 13, 2004
Editor's Note: Nationwide, collection of DNA samples by law enforcement is expanding, from collecting the DNA of convicted felons, which most states already require, to taking DNA samples of arrestees. Californians will vote on a "DNA fingerprinting" initiative this November. Civil libertarians say privacy and the presumption of innocence are in jeopardy.
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SAN FRANCISCO--Genetics and crime fighting are becoming as intertwined as the DNA double helix. But that quickly evolving collaboration has taken a dangerous new twist.
Three states -- Virginia, Louisiana and Texas -- already require the collection of DNA samples from arrestees as part of the booking process, even before suspects go on trial. Critics see a worrying erosion of due process and what they call "DNA privacy" -- the right of citizens to keep genetic information private.
Nationwide, "DNA data-banking" policies vary, but over 30 states already require DNA collection from felons. California requires DNA sampling only from those convicted for violent felonies and some sex crimes.
But some want to go further, and take DNA samples from arrestees. Prop. 69, the "DNA Fingerprint" initiative, will be on November's ballot and already enjoys broad bipartisan support. If voters pass it, California -- a bellwether state for criminal justice trends -- will have among the country's most sweeping DNA sampling policies.
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So, all you have to do is be arrested now?