Connecticut Senate Bill SB00397

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Requiring The Dna Testing Of Persons Arrested For A Serious Felony Offense.

Impact

If enacted, SB00397 would amend existing statutes related to criminal procedures by incorporating DNA sample collection into the process following serious felony arrests. This change could significantly affect the operations of law enforcement agencies by providing them with powerful tools to connect arrested individuals with ongoing investigations, thus improving overall crime-solving capabilities. However, the bill also raises concerns about privacy rights and the potential for misuse of genetic data, highlighting a crucial balance that must be maintained between public safety and individual privacy.

Summary

SB00397 aims to require DNA testing of individuals arrested for serious felony offenses. The intention of this legislation is to aid law enforcement agencies in identifying criminals and resolving serious crimes more efficiently. By mandating DNA samples from those arrested for specified serious felonies, the bill seeks to enhance investigative resources, thereby potentially increasing the clearance rates of serious crimes. The proponents of the bill believe that this measure will strengthen public safety and deter future criminal activities by creating a more robust database of genetic information.

Contention

The bill has sparked debates regarding the implications of mandatory DNA testing, with advocates arguing that it is a necessary step for effective law enforcement. They suggest that the benefits of having a comprehensive DNA database will far outweigh the privacy concerns. Conversely, opponents express fears about the ethical ramifications of collecting DNA samples without a conviction, arguing this could lead to a slippery slope of overreach by state authorities. The discussions suggest that there may be significant public and legislative scrutiny surrounding how and when DNA samples can be taken and used.

Notable_points

Notably, SB00397 emphasizes the serious nature of the felonies that would trigger this requirement, which could include violent crimes and serious property crimes. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for similar legislation in other jurisdictions, indicating a nationwide trend towards using DNA technology as a standard investigative tool in law enforcement.