Collection of DNA from people arrested for felonies in Indiana has helped solve more than 200 cases this year.
(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A new Indiana law is giving police the power to collect DNA samples from anyone suspected of a felony.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 30 states currently have some form of state DNA collection upon arrest, as does the federal government. Indiana become one of them this year.
State Representative Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) says the law will help identify serial offenders.
“Prior to the new law, a DNA sample could only be taken upon conviction for a felon,” Steuerwald said. “This has developed into one of the most important crime-solving tools we gave law enforcement.”
Since the law took effect in January, it has helped solve more than 200 crimes, including murders and sexual assaults.
A person's DNA sample is removed from the system if charges against them are dropped or they're found not guilty.
The samples go into a nationwide database called CODIS, or Combined DNA Index System. It lets federal, state and local law enforcement officials compare evidence to help close more cases.
City of Florence Experiences Significant Impacts from Severe Storms, Strong Wind
Photos: Storm Damage from Dearborn Co.
Voices of America County Music Fest Announces Daily Artist Schedule
Pedestrian Killed in I-275 Collision
National Weather Service Confirms Tornado in Jefferson County
Two GoFundMe's Launched After Tragic Death of Lawrenceburg Man
Comments
Add a comment