US to collect DNA from anyone arrested or detained by Feds

[Holly_Hobby]

U.S. Set to Begin a Vast Expansion of DNA Sampling

By JULIA PRESTON
Published: February 5, 2007

The Justice Department is completing rules to allow the collection of DNA from most people arrested or detained by federal authorities, a vast expansion of DNA gathering that will include hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, by far the largest group affected.

The new forensic DNA sampling was authorized by Congress in a little-noticed amendment to a January 2006 renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, which provides protections and assistance for victims of sexual crimes. The amendment permits DNA collecting from anyone under criminal arrest by federal authorities, and also from illegal immigrants detained by federal agents.

Over the last year, the Justice Department has been conducting an internal review and consulting with other agencies to prepare regulations to carry out the law.

The goal, justice officials said, is to make the practice of DNA sampling as routine as fingerprinting for anyone detained by federal agents, including illegal immigrants. Until now, federal authorities have taken DNA samples only from convicted felons. The law has strong support from crime victims’ organizations and some women’s groups, who say it will help law enforcement identify sexual predators and also detect dangerous criminals among illegal immigrants.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/05/washington/05dna.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

[HockeyMom]

1. Rudy went one better than this

When he was mayor, he called for setting up a DNA databank with samples taken from every CHILD at birth.

[AndyA]

2. Gosh, we should just take DNA samples when babies are born,

then implant chips in their skulls to track them as they move about and live their lives. Just think of the benefits for all! Mothers can find their kids in no time to call them home for dinner!!

:sarcasm:

[BadgerKid]

3. We need a genetics bill of rights (n/t).

[Egalitariat]

4. Is this different than collecting their fingerprints?***

nm

[Holly_Hobby]

5. Yes

DNA testing exposes medical and mental problems, per the article.

[fed-up]

6. and then will probably be sold to ins companies to deny/increase rates n/t