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Give police greater latitude in use of
DNA
September
27, 2005
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The use of DNA to positively
identify persons suspected of committing a crime has revolutionized
forensic science.
Members of the Fallon Rotary Club recently
saw how DNA evidence was used to solve a high profile double murder
case in Gardnerville. Jeff Riolo, a senior criminalist with the
Washoe County Sheriff's crime lab, provided the lesson in the use of
DNA data.
DNA has also been used in other famous criminal
cases, including the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson murder trials,
as well as the proceedings leading to the impeachment of President
Bill Clinton.
Like fingerprints, every individual has a
unique DNA code that can be extracted from saliva, blood, skin, a
strand of hair or any other biological material a criminal might
leave behind. This material can even be useful years after the fact,
according to Riolo, who pointed out instances of crimes solved by
linking suspects to DNA data collected as the result of prior
convictions.
A bill making its way through Congress would
expand the government's ability to use DNA data to solve crimes. A
measure passed last week by the Senate Judiciary Committee would
allow federal authorities to collect DNA samples anytime a person is
arrested or detained. As the law is now written, such data may only
be collected after a person is convicted.
Not surprisingly,
the American Civil Liberties Union and others are crying foul on
grounds the measure constitutes an egregious invasion of privacy.
They say giving the government unfettered access to genetic
information is an invitation for abuse, including profiling and
dissemination of medical information that should be held in strict
confidence.
Perhaps.
On the other hand, a more
comprehensive DNA data base will likely help police agencies
identify and arrest dangerous criminals before they have the
opportunity to repeat their crimes, as most criminals do.
For
our part, we would rather err on the side of giving law enforcement
better tools, and address privacy concerns with strong sanctions
against those who use privileged information improperly.
DNA
data is an excellent forensic tool. Efforts to expand its use should
be
supported.
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P/CLOUDY 59°
