NJ Lawmaker Wants Officials To Obtain DNA Samples From Anyone Arrested In The State
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A northern New Jersey lawmaker wants law enforcement officials to collect DNA samples from anyone arrested in the state.
Republican Assemblyman Gary Chiusano says the legislation he introduced this week would help authorities solve more crimes and would be no more invasive than fingerprinting. It would allow those who are not convicted to petition a judge to remove their information from the state's DNA database.
Those who refuse to provide a sample could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Currently, only those convicted of crimes are required to provide DNA samples in New Jersey.
Critics say the measure would place an additional, expensive burden on local police departments. Some also say it violates the U.S.
Constitution's Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
