Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Will Begin Collecting DNA From Everyone Arrested

**Big Sexy** · 04-18-08, 02:00 PM

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Will Begin Collecting DNA From Everyone Arrested

Individuals arrested by federal agents will soon have their DNA collected for inclusion in the government's DNA database, known as CODIS. DNA samples also will be collected from foreigners who are detained, regardless of whether they have been charged.

The new rule is a rather dramatic departure from federal law enforcement agencies' current practice, which is to collect DNA samples only from those who are convicted felons. The Justice Department was given the authority to expand DNA collection efforts through laws passed by Congress in 2005 and 2006.

Proponents of the change say it will help prevent violent crime. Opponents argue that it infringes on the privacy of innocent individuals, and that the information could be misused.

The Justice Department says it intends to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register, and give the public 30 days to comment. In the meantime, however, department officials stated publicly that the new DNA samples, which will be collected through a cheek swab, will be covered by the same privacy protections that are already in place to safeguard current DNA samples.

The new rule is expected to add approximately 1.2 million more DNA samples to the CODIS database each year. Those who are arrested but not convicted can request that their DNA sample be destroyed.

**Lazy Fed** · 04-18-08, 03:44 PM

So what about all the arrests made by Federal officers that are not prosecuted Federally, lord knows that never happens

Or the guys that are arrested with drugs and then the next day are like hey guys whats up...............

**Motorwaycop** · 04-18-08, 04:10 PM

Wehther you like it or not you get your DNA taken here if you are arrested for whatever reason.
You don't have to be convicted, just arrested. It used to be that if found innocent then you could elect to have DNA and fingerprints destroyed, not now though, once we have them that's it.
This is just another outcome of recent terrorist activities, well that's the excuse.
There have already been a number of high profile crimes resolved as a result of this practice that would never have been solved before.
I believe the UK has one of the highest per capita databases for DNA, as well as CCTV cameras.
Well we have to try to be good at something!

**MissMyCaprice** · 04-19-08, 12:23 AM

They had this same debate back in the day when fingerprint databases automated and AFIS started up.
Mere identity is not incriminating.

**BigDawg** · 04-19-08, 01:02 AM

I think it should be taken at birth. Would pretty much end alot of crime and the whole debate of the wrong person being convicted.

Course I also think people who come here on work, student, or extended tourist visas should be implanted with gps chips, but thats just me.

**Ducky** · 04-19-08, 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by BigDawg

I think it should be taken at birth. Would pretty much end alot of crime and the whole debate of the wrong person being convicted.

That would also help solve a lot of 'John Doe' morgue cases.

**Standard Dave** · 04-19-08, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Motorwaycop

It used to be that if found innocent then you could elect to have DNA and fingerprints destroyed, not now though, once we have them that's it.
This is just another outcome of recent terrorist activities, well that's the excuse.

The changes in the UK were recommended by Sir Michael Bichard following his enquiry into the murder of two school girls in Soham Cambridgeshire by a school caretaker.

The caretaker in question was a male named Ian Huntley he had been arrested a number of times by several police forces and there was a great deal of information about him being a danger to young females but his DNA, fingerprints and photographs had not been retained by any of these forces as he was never convicted of these offences or the other offences including burglary (this offence was not bought to trial and still lies on file

).

Bichard clarified data protection and retention for law enforcement purposes and also had the way DNA, fingerprints and photographs are collected changed to the situation now where it is taken from everyone arrested and retained what ever the outcome.