DNA Sampling, Both Friend and Foe to Law Enforcement
Author: Roslyn Myers, J.D., M.A..
Source: Volume 16, Number 06, October/November 2015 , pp.83-85(3)
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Abstract:
Has the promise of DNA for victims failed under the weight of collection successes? Findings in a report by The Urban Institute reveal wide variation among states’ laws, policies, and practices regarding the collection of DNA samples as well as wide variation in states’ experience and skill with the related legal standards. The report also found that the rapidly expanding DNA databases imposed significant administrative and analytic burdens on many state crime laboratories and collecting agencies.Keywords: Maryland v. King, 133 S. Ct. 1958; Dist. Attorney’s Office for Third Judicial Dist. v. Osborne, 557 U.S. 52, 55; backlogs; Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act; Debbie Smith Grant Act; Sexual Assault Kit Initiative; innocent until
Affiliations:
1: John Jay College of Criminal Justice.