DNA Profiling: You May Be Next

[Orwellian_Ghost]

DNA Profiling: You May Be Next

Some agencies deem the database system so valuable they have been making deals with offenders in exchange for a DNA sample

by Patrick Kollman

Since its discovery a quarter century ago, the DNA fingerprint has been hailed as a pivotal tool in solving crimes and exonerating those wrongly convicted.

But as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, the question of how DNA evidence is being used and how samples are being extracted, have come under fire from civil rights activists and many criminal justice experts.

Proposition 69, passed in 2004, made California one of now 21 states that require DNA sampling for some arrestees. This voter-approved initiative mandated that this extend to all felony arrestees by Jan. 1, 2009-and the legal backlash has already begun.

Earlier this month the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU-NC) filed a lawsuit against the state of California charging that the statute on DNA collection violates search and seizure laws under the Fourth Amendment, and due process under the 14th Amendment.

The ACLU's lawsuit has fueled the debate over the limits and scope of DNA sampling even as its use is accelerating. In August 2007, eight states required DNA samples from some arrestees. That number has continued to rise, jumping 50 percent-from 14 states to 21-just this year. In April the federal government began taking samples from suspects arrested on federal crimes, and will also collect DNA from detained undocumented immigrants.

...

http://missionlocal.org/2009/10/dna-profiling-you-may-be-next/

[SoCalDem]

1. In a "Brave New Wolrd" sort of way , what if every medical lab

"kept" a sample of whatever they tested, and there was already a DNA "bank" on everyone..or when that newborn has blood drawn to test for PKU? what's to prevent them from keeping a "bit" for later DNA analysis?

[gleaner]

3. Or if .....

We are full of evil possibilities, going through your trash for that soft drink can or cup or other orts of things which bear your DNA?:evilgrin: Look out! It's the Trash Police.

[SoCalDem]

4. We are lucky that we are broke right now

Probably no one's interested in random DNA all that much or has the money to pay people to monitor it :)

[gleaner]

7. But hadn't you heard?

Prosperity is just around the corner.:fistbump: Um, wait. Haven't I heard that somewhere else? I think it's what they were telling my parents around 1939.

[HipChick]

2. I have no problem with it,,,if it helps catch killers like the one that killed that poor girl Somer

[lunatica]

5. It's inevitable. Science changes things

And this is one scientific breakthrough that is bound to be incorporated in all kinds of ways. From tracking people down for crimes to some of the most amazing cures in history. Life will change

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Meh.

Reads like "Mark of the Beast" conspiracy crap about having a social security number.

Same shit, different day.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

8. Brilliant analysis

You should be filing briefs for the reactionary opposition to the ACLU.

Are you?

This probably doesn't bother you:

Lily Haskell is a plaintiff in the ACLU's case. She was arrested in March at a protest on the sixth anniversary of the Iraq War, but ultimately was never charged with anything. By law she was forced to give a DNA sample.

But of course you are a good law abiding citizen doing what you're told so no worries in your beautiful mind eh?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. If she was arrested...

she was probably also fingerprinted.

Am I supposed to freak out about that too?

[HamdenRice]

10. What a dumb post

not even worth the electrons to explain why.