By Zachary Stieber Epoch Times Staff Created: March 17, 2012 Last Updated: March 17, 2012<\/p>\n
NEW YORKAfter the state Legislature passed legislation that allows police to collect DNA from almost everyone who commits a crime in the state, the New York Civil Liberties Union released a statement denouncing the legislation. <\/p>\n
Any forensics expert will tell you that including genetic samples of every person ever convicted of a misdemeanor in the DNA databank wont lead to more effective law enforcement, but it will almost certainly increase inefficiency, errors, and abuse, reads a statement by NYCLU Legislative Director Robert Perry. <\/p>\n
Minor crimes should not require people to submit a DNA sample, said the union. The legislation excludes people convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana and who have no prior criminal record from having to submit DNA. <\/p>\n
While we appreciate the exception for marijuana possession, the fact is that the same exception should apply to all nonviolent, low level offenses, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. <\/p>\n
With the passage of the databank extension, the state becomes the first all crimes DNA state in the nation, by requiring DNA samples be collected from anyone convicted of a felony or penal law misdemeanor, according to a statement released by Gov. Andrew Cuomos office. <\/p>\n
It is a proven fact: DNA helps solve crimes, prosecute the guilty, and protects the innocent, said the governor in the statement. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Continued here: By Zachary Stieber Epoch Times Staff Created: March 17, 2012 Last Updated: March 17, 2012 NEW YORKAfter the state Legislature passed legislation that allows police to collect DNA from almost everyone who commits a crime in the state, the New York Civil Liberties Union released a statement denouncing the legislation. Any forensics expert will tell you that including genetic samples of every person ever convicted of a misdemeanor in the DNA databank wont lead to more effective law enforcement, but it will almost certainly increase inefficiency, errors, and abuse, reads a statement by NYCLU Legislative Director Robert Perry. Minor crimes should not require people to submit a DNA sample, said the union. Continue reading
\nCivil Liberties Union Slams DNA Databank Expansion<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"