The Backlog of DNA Sample Analysis Will Keep Murders and Rapists Free to Roam the Streets
The conclusion of the Forensic DNA series
Ethical Concerns about DNA Testing
Again, as in the case with the UK, is testing DNA on everyone before being convicted ethical? This procedure does raise concerns in the USA as it is in violation of the Fourth Amendment with regards to "unreasonable search and seizure" practices just to obtain DNA sampling.
Excerpt from the Legal stance of DNA testing in the United States
"As of September 2007, all 50 states have laws that require convicted sex offenders to submit DNA, 44 states have laws that require convicted felons to submit DNA, 9 states require DNA samples from those convicted of certain misdemeanors, and 11 states-including Alaska, Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia-have laws authorizing arrestee DNA sampling." see http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
Canada's Forensic Database Situation
On May 1, 2007 Gloria Galloway of The Globe and Mail reported that Canada also has an enormous backlog for entering DNA evidence into the National Database. She updated the article on March 31, 2010. Like all concerned citizens she is concerned that "murderers and rapists continue to roam the streets", while the government drags their feet.
Former RCMP Commissioner Guiliano Zaccardelli denied that there was a backlog in 2004. He maintained that all DNA analysis is done within 15 days for major cases. In fact, it is less than one percent of the samples that are processed and coded in that time says Auditor-General Sheila Fraser, She goes on to say there is a backlog, and it is growing, Most samples in 2004-2006 took and average of 114 days, and these samples included sexual assault and murder cases. Delays such as these slow down the police investigation and the time it takes to get the criminals off the street. For the full story click here. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/article753078.ece
Pro-ADN Diagnostic is Montreal's Major DNA Testing Center
Address:
3885 Industriel Blvd.
Laval, QC H7L 4S3
CANADA
Contact Info:
T: (450) 663-6724 ext. 247
F: (450) 663-4428
Sources:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/article753078.ece
Published by Carol Roach
Carol Roach holds a masters in counselling psychology. She worked as a therapist at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal before becoming a professional writer.Carol is the author of the book Picking Up The Piece... View profile
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