DNA Retention



DNA Retention

Introduction

This paper intends to discuss the various aspects related to DNA retention. United Kingdom has begun a policy to collect and retain the DNA of juveniles involved in crime and recently came under fire for retaining the DNA for other juveniles who were never charged or convicted of an offense (Jeremiah, 2010 Pp. 1-30). Recently, the United States federal government has proposed a policy to collect DNA from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agent. The purpose of this paper is to address the potential issues, both negative and positive, for the collection of DNA from citizens.

Discussion

Criminal justice system is assumed to be reformed by the utilization of new technologies related to DNA retention. Crimes are now assumed to be solved with underlying accuracy. DNA is basically a sample of genetic material of individuals which is collected through the scenes of crime. These materials are stored and tested for the later utilization as evidence in the courts. The popularity of DNA for the purpose of enhancing the performance of criminal justice system is basically because of two principles; firstly the aspect that violent crimes always result in the shedding of biological material like blood or hair, and secondly that DNA found within these samples provides the unique genetic codes to the actual criminals (Culliford, 1991 Pp. 1-4).

The policy which has been proposed by United States federal government to collect DNA from anyone who is arrested by a federal law enforcement agent basically revolves round various negative and positive issues. Some people favor the policy with a great content while others opposes the policy because of various legal and ethical concerns. DNA is assumed to be considered as one of the most reliable and accurate evidence in today's world of modern technologies. The criminal justice system is assumed to be benefitted with the DNA evidence because it helps in solving the crimes along with exonerating individuals who have been convicted wrongfully (David, 2004 Pp. 25-50).

The use of DNA evidence raises various legal and ethical concerns which need to be addressed for the purpose of upholding the constitutional rights of both the criminals and citizens. The basic concerns that are associated with DNA retention are the aspects of individual and privacy rights, admissibility of DNA evidence in courts, usage of DNA databases, post conviction access to DNA testing and the government surveillance. Each of the state within United States has passed various legislations regarding the collection and retention of DNA. Policies are now being implied in such a manner that people who are only arrested and charged with a qualifying felony are also included in the process of DNA collection and retention (Richard & Barbara, 2010 Pp. 300-325).

Positive Aspects of DNA Collection and Retention

The supporters of the policy to collect DNA from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agent suggest that this action will enhance the performance of law enforcement agencies in relation with the crime solving process. Currently DNA collection is only done from ...