More Aggressive DNA Collection Protocol Coming?
DNA collection from suspects may shift into high gear now that the attorney general is directing all law enforcement agencies to begin taking samples during all arrests and detentions.
The Chicago Tribune’s political blog, The Swamp, reports that the proposed rule popped up in a Federal Register notice regarding the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.
“This rule directs agencies of the United States that arrest or detain individuals, or that supervise individuals facing charges, to collect DNA samples from individuals who are arrested, facing charges, or convicted, and from non-United States persons who are detained under the authority of the United States,” the proposed rule states in part. The attorney general could, according to the rule, limit DNA collection to those individuals who are fingerprinted.
Those agencies that collect DNA will feed the data to the FBI. The Tribune’s Mark Silva opines that, “This is an intriguing new database for the government to control. And, so long as you don’t get arrested, the government won’t have your DNA.”
The Swamp posts the Federal Register notice in full and notes that the comment period ends next Monday.
Hat tip, Criminal Justice Journalists.
