In another post today, I pointed out some privacy-related bills that are being taken up in the Virginia legislature. Now Joe Cadillic sends along an editorial about something else going on in Virginia that needs further scrutiny.
The Virginian-Pilot Editorial Board wrote on January 2:
The Virginia State Crime Commission recently voted in favor of collecting DNA samples from people convicted of a number of misdemeanors, including shoplifting, and storing that information for future use.
If implemented, the expanded collection of DNA could add samples from tens of thousands of people from across the commonwealth, perhaps marginally increasing the chances of a match to DNA collected in unsolved cases or in future crimes. The commission’s recommendation to lawmakers — as seen in the most favorable light — reflects a desire to solve criminal cases with every possible piece of evidence.
But the decision also represents a troubling tactic of using questionable means for law enforcement purposes, under the guise of being tough on crime.
Read more on The Virginian-Pilot.