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The use of DNA to positively identify persons suspected of committing a crime has revolutionized forensic science.
Members of the Fallon Rotary Club recently saw how DNA evidence was used to solve a high profile double murder case in Gardnerville. Jeff Riolo, a senior criminalist with the Washoe County Sheriff's crime lab, provided the lesson in the use of DNA data.
DNA has also been used in other famous criminal cases, including the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson murder trials, as well as the proceedings leading to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
Like fingerprints, every individual has a unique DNA code that can be extracted from saliva, blood, skin, a strand of hair or any other biological material a criminal might leave behind. This material can even be useful years after the fact, according to Riolo, who pointed out instances of crimes solved by linking suspects to DNA data collected as the result of prior convictions.
A bill making its way through Congress would expand the government's ability to use DNA data to solve crimes. A measure passed last week by the Senate Judiciary Committee would allow federal authorities to collect DNA samples anytime a person is arrested or detained. As the law is now written, such data may only be collected after a person is convicted.
Not surprisingly, the American Civil Liberties Union and others are crying foul on grounds the measure constitutes an egregious invasion of privacy. They say giving the government unfettered access to genetic information is an invitation for abuse, including profiling and dissemination of medical information that should be held in strict confidence.
Perhaps.
On the other hand, a more comprehensive DNA data base will likely help police agencies identify and arrest dangerous criminals before they have the opportunity to repeat their crimes, as most criminals do.
For our part, we would rather err on the side of giving law enforcement better tools, and address privacy concerns with strong sanctions against those who use privileged information improperly.
DNA data is an excellent forensic tool. Efforts to expand its use should be supported.
Members of the Fallon Rotary Club recently saw how DNA evidence was used to solve a high profile double murder case in Gardnerville. Jeff Riolo, a senior criminalist with the Washoe County Sheriff's crime lab, provided the lesson in the use of DNA data.
DNA has also been used in other famous criminal cases, including the O.J. Simpson and Scott Peterson murder trials, as well as the proceedings leading to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
Like fingerprints, every individual has a unique DNA code that can be extracted from saliva, blood, skin, a strand of hair or any other biological material a criminal might leave behind. This material can even be useful years after the fact, according to Riolo, who pointed out instances of crimes solved by linking suspects to DNA data collected as the result of prior convictions.
A bill making its way through Congress would expand the government's ability to use DNA data to solve crimes. A measure passed last week by the Senate Judiciary Committee would allow federal authorities to collect DNA samples anytime a person is arrested or detained. As the law is now written, such data may only be collected after a person is convicted.
Not surprisingly, the American Civil Liberties Union and others are crying foul on grounds the measure constitutes an egregious invasion of privacy. They say giving the government unfettered access to genetic information is an invitation for abuse, including profiling and dissemination of medical information that should be held in strict confidence.
Perhaps.
On the other hand, a more comprehensive DNA data base will likely help police agencies identify and arrest dangerous criminals before they have the opportunity to repeat their crimes, as most criminals do.
For our part, we would rather err on the side of giving law enforcement better tools, and address privacy concerns with strong sanctions against those who use privileged information improperly.
DNA data is an excellent forensic tool. Efforts to expand its use should be supported.
