Database of DNA Samples Proposed

New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir outlined a controversial plan to take DNA samples from every person arrested in the city and create a database to speed the ability of police to solve crimes, identify repeat offenders and save costs. “We’re not going to use it for anything other than identification,” Safir said. “The innocents have nothing to fear. Only if you are guilty should you worry about DNA testing.” The proposal has drawn concern from civil libertarians who say the database would test the prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures in the U.S. Constitution. Under the Safir proposal, police would use a cotton swab to obtain a saliva sample from each person arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges.