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"Opponents of this law argue that arrested persons are presumed innocent and many may not be convicted. They argue that it is not "fair" to treat these individuals -- individuals who are suspected of breaking the law -- like criminals. But by using this same reasoning, we should not be collecting fingerprints either. Or mugshots. In fact, if we truly respect the rights and privacy of persons accused or suspected of crimes, we will not even solicit their names or drivers licenses. We should just politely ask if they have committed or intend to commit any other crimes we should know about, and then take them at their word. In Virginia, where the state has required DNA for these felony arrestees since 2003, there were already 400 matches of unsolved crimes to arrestee samples as of the end of 2007. And not once, since 2003 or since 1990 when the state's DNA program began, has there ever been an instance or even allegation of misuse of this database.
"DNA is, in the end, truth. And innocent, law abiding citizens are not afraid of the truth.
"We applaud Congress and the Federal Government in moving our country
forward on this important public safety issue."
Joan Berry, Tennessee/Georgia
In memory of daughter Johnia Berry, who was murdered in 2004
Karen Foster, Alaska
In memory of daughter Bonnie Craig, who was raped and murdered in 1994
Jayann Sepich, New Mexico
In memory of daughter Katie Sepich, who was raped and murdered in 2003
| SOURCE Jayann Sepich Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |