Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 24, 2008 11:39:11 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Should Cops Swipe DNA Without a Warrant?

Posted Apr 3, 08 1:33 PM CDT in Technology,  US 

(Newser) – Police didn’t need a search warrant to get a DNA sample from now-convicted murderer Altemio Sanchez—they just waited until he left a restaurant and confiscated his glass. That kind of sneaky DNA collection is going on across the country, and defense lawyers don’t like it, the New York Times reports. “The law cannot tolerate such back-door methods,” said one lawyer.

Critics argue that cops should need some kind of warrant to grab such seemingly private data. “Police can take a DNA sample from anyone, anytime, for any reason without raising oversight by any court,” said one law professor. “I don’t think a lot of people realize that.” But Washington State’s Supreme Court recently ruled that discarded DNA evidence was no different than fingerprints.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • DNA Used to Nab Criminal Kin

    Apr 21, 08 12:51 PM CDT
    DNA Used to Nab Criminal Kin Law-enforcement agencies are using DNA of family members—often without their consent—to identify and convict criminals, the Washington Post reports. Privacy advocates object that it turns family members into unwitting informants, and subjects innocent relatives to “lifelong genetic surveillance” because someone in their family committed a crime. But investigators say it could increase DNA-solved cases by as much as 40%. More »

  • US Plans to Widen DNA Database

    Apr 16, 08 9:27 PM CDT
    US Plans to Widen DNA Database The US plans to significantly widen its law-enforcement database by taking DNA samples from illegal immigrants picked up by federal authorities and from all people arrested for federal offenses, the Washington Post reports. The feds currently collect genetic information only from those convicted of federal crimes. The expanded policy follows the lead of 13 states. More »

  • Police Seek Broader DNA Database

    Feb 23, 08 3:02 PM CST
    Police Seek Broader DNA Database US law enforcement currently catalogs 5.6 million DNA profiles, about 2% of Americans, but hopes to expand that and the scope of their searches, the Wall Street Journal reports. A bigger database would allow "familial searches"—looking for near matches of a suspect's brother or sister, for example. Civil libertarians worry the practice will expose innocent people to government scrutiny. More »

  • Innocent Con Freed After 27 Years

    Jan 4, 08 3:00 AM CST
    Innocent Con Freed After 27 Years A man who spent 27 years in prison for a rape he didn't commit was released yesterday after DNA evidence proved he hadn't assaulted his accuser. Charles Chatman, now 47, had maintained his innocence throughout his time in jail, refusing to give an account of the crime to the parole board on three separate occasions. More »

  • Buckle Up, Britons, or Submit DNA

    Aug 2, 07 11:09 AM CDT
    Buckle Up, Britons, or Submit DNA Britain may give police the authority to take DNA samples from anyone stopped for a minor crime, such as littering, speeding or not wearing a seat belt, the Guardian reports. And they'll be able to do so right on the street—without going to the police station, if the Home Office gets the new powers it has requested. More »

DNA analysis is a powerful law enforcement tool, but how private is our DNA?   (KRT Photos)
DNA evidence has helped take down serial killers, but how far should police be able to go to get it?   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Tags

crime  • DNA  • police  • privacy  • DNA evidence  • search and seizure


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »