RACINE COUNTY A new law that will greatly expand the way DNA is collected by law enforcement agencies will give them a new tool to fight crime, according to Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. <\/p>\n
DNA samples are currently only required for anyone convicted of a felony and certain sex-related misdemeanors. <\/p>\n
Starting April 1, law enforcement will be required to take DNA from anyone arrested for a violent felony anything from homicides to burglaries and stalking and certain sex-related misdemeanors. The law also requires anyone convicted of a misdemeanor after April 1 to submit a DNA sample. <\/p>\n
The big change is collecting DNA while a person is arrested, said Racine County Sheriffs Lt. Steve Sikora. <\/p>\n
DNA is huge these days, Sikora said. Look at all the crimes solved. <\/p>\n
Schmaling pointed out DNA was used to help find a suspect in the 1997 slaying of 14-year-old Amber Creek. <\/p>\n
The Illinois girls body was left in a Town of Burlington wildlife preserve. For 17 years the case went unsolved; last year, DNA reportedly connected James Eaton to evidence found on the girl. <\/p>\n
Schmaling said there are cases like the Amber Creek case that could also be solved with more DNA evidence. <\/p>\n
Im excited about it, Schmaling said about the proposed law change. It will provide law enforcement with a new tool that will provide closure and relief to victims and exonerate the wrongfully accused. <\/p>\n
Schmaling said he felt it will also ultimately save taxpayer money; it will reduce investigation time and court time by helping build stronger cases. <\/p>\n
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