DNA Pre-Conviction

[ladiva]

The federal government is hoping to prevent and solve more crimes by casting the DNA net wider by taking genetic samples from people accused but not convicted of breaking the law. Civil liberties advocates are saying that the practice makes a mockery of "innocent until proven guilty". Do you agree with that?



Full Story:
http://beta.abc3340.com/news/stories/0606/340454.html

[bilmo]

Yes I agree with that

[mmcd3182]

Yeah. That is frightening.

I know you could come up with a million examples full of emotion with what "good" this could do, but if they started a DNA record bank on everyone it'd scare the HELL out of me. Anyone seen Gattica, read Brave New World? or 1984...

Doing something like that would seriously be overstepping some bounds.

[palerider]

The government has too much power as it is.

[dillybar]

I agree, too.

[debby]

This is a tough one. I agree all those convicted of crimes definitely should be on a DNA file. But, I do agree we still should be innocent untill proved guilty. Unfortunately in high profile cases it's not the case. As we have seen with the latest cases such as the NC Duke case.

[mmcd3182]

This is a tough one. I agree all those convicted of crimes definitely should be on a DNA file. But, I do agree we still should be innocent untill proved guilty. Unfortunately in high profile cases it's not the case. As we have seen with the latest cases such as the NC Duke case.

there's a difference though between using DNA evidence for a present crime to investigate, but keeping a record of all DNA of everyone who's ever even gotten say a traffic ticket is a gross intrusion of privacy.

But I'm sure they already keep DNA profiles on violent criminals... such as child predators/abusers. If you've committed a violent crime, then definately -- they should have your fingerprints, shoe size, DNA, anything -- as long as they don't use it innappropriately -- i.e. framing someone for a crime they didn't commit just to have a case closed.

[RoadstarB]

They probably have your fingerprints on file somewhere, why should DNA be any different. I remember several times even as a kid doing fingerprint files, can't remember why but I bet they are on a database somewhere. Technology is getting better everyday, if it is used to solve crimes faster I am for it.

[mmcd3182]

They probably have your fingerprints on file somewhere, why should DNA be any different. I remember several times even as a kid doing fingerprint files, can't remember why but I bet they are on a database somewhere. Technology is getting better everyday, if it is used to solve crimes faster I am for it.

It is just a slippery slope -- let insurance companies start using DNA tests to determine risk for health insurance... or employers... etc etc etc... a fingerprint shows what your finger looks like, DNA describes EVERYTHING about you. It's the full set of "blueprints" for YOU.

[RoadstarB]

It is just a slippery slope -- let insurance companies start using DNA tests to determine risk for health insurance... or employers... etc etc etc... a fingerprint shows what your finger looks like, DNA describes EVERYTHING about you. It's the full set of "blueprints" for YOU.

yes, you have a point, I don't think innocent people should be pennalized for something heredity, health, but to procecute a criminal, making sure you have the right one is my reason to be for it.

[mmcd3182]

yes, you have a point, I don't think innocent people should be pennalized for something heredity, health, but to procecute a criminal, making sure you have the right one is my reason to be for it.

which is already being done now. they are even reviewing old cases that they can review with DNA evidence, and many are turning up that they got it wrong... use DNA from a crime scene and DNA taken from a probable suspect... don't search a nationwide database for a match -- sure it makes things easy, but see previous post...

[debby]

there's a difference though between using DNA evidence for a present crime to investigate, but keeping a record of all DNA of everyone who's ever even gotten say a traffic ticket is a gross intrusion of privacy.

But I'm sure they already keep DNA profiles on violent criminals... such as child predators/abusers. If you've committed a violent crime, then definately -- they should have your fingerprints, shoe size, DNA, anything -- as long as they don't use it innappropriately -- i.e. framing someone for a crime they didn't commit just to have a case closed.
Thats what I meant.

[sgt501]

well i can tell they some people have a axe to grind so to speak with government... so heres my two cents..... i have used dna both ways ... to convict a person and to clear an innocent one.... but i can tell you that i believe that if you have been arrested that a dna sample should be part of the normal booking procedure...
right now the only one that are subject to dna samples are people that are run thru the department of corrections and if we develop a suspect specific to a crime.

if we had a data based of people that had been arrested for lesser offenses i might not have a few cases where the dna can not be matched to anyone in the system..... its not a good feeling to tell a rape victim that there is not a good lead to the identity of a suspect .... just because they have never commited a serious offense in the past.... thats why i feel that if you are arrested , fingerprinted, and photographed that dna should also be taken....

and not to "frame someone" thanks mmcd3182

[mmcd3182]

well i can tell they some people have a axe to grind so to speak with government... so heres my two cents..... i have used dna both ways ... to convict a person and to clear an innocent one.... but i can tell you that i believe that if you have been arrested that a dna sample should be part of the normal booking procedure...
right now the only one that are subject to dna samples are people that are run thru the department of corrections and if we develop a suspect specific to a crime.
if we had a data based of people that had been arrested for lesser offenses i might not have a few cases where the dna can not be matched to anyone in the system..... its not a good feeling to tell a rape victim that there is not a good lead to the identity of a suspect .... just because they have never commited a serious offense in the past.... thats why i feel that if you are arrested , fingerprinted, and photographed that dna should also be taken....
and not to "frame someone" thanks mmcd3182


Everyone has heard of police officers that misuse their authority or that do not follow the law. from the news, etc. I'm sorry if that offended you...

[sgt501]

everyone has heard of regular people breaking the law.... so i guess i should assume that they and you will do this i guess.... yes it offends me.... especialy our department works hard to have a good reputation and not have people just making comments about police in general..... i believe that it would offend you if the same were directed at your profession

[mmcd3182]

everyone has heard of regular people breaking the law.... so i guess i should assume that they and you will do this i guess.... yes it offends me.... especialy our department works hard to have a good reputation and not have people just making comments about police in general..... i believe that it would offend you if the same were directed at your profession

sorry that it offended you.

[sgt501]

all is good.......

[phillip]

I agree with the collection of DNA evidence just like I believe in taking and keeping fingerprint records, gathered in the normal coarse of a police investigation. Criminals are becoming increasingly resourceful in evading capture and the police need every tool available to do their job. The problem we have is that groups such as the ACLU want to do everything in their power to tie the hands of law enforcement.
Additionally, not only could this extra data be used in preventing future crimes against innocent people and bring criminals to justice before they strike again but could also be useful in identifying victims of crimes, accidents and possibly even identify John Doe's who are found dead and are unidentifiable by other means.
P.S well said Sgt501 keep up the good work.