Expanded Program to Get DNA Could Cast a Wide Net

The Justice Department may require another year before its plan to include the DNA samples of illegal immigrants in the federal DNA collection program can be implemented. Details of the initiative must still be presented to agencies affected by the changes.

The final rule could be much more expansive than currently planned and provide law enforcement with an important tool.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio expressed support for the plan because it can provide suspect information not currently known. However, critics expressed concern about the expanded DNA collection that would also allow officers to collect samples from material witnesses to a crime.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from the Arizona Republic (01/19/07); House, Billy; Wagner, Dennis.