DNA sample collection to be expanded
The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency, a move intended to prevent violent crime but which also is raising concerns about privacy.
Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained, whether they have been charged or not. The DNA would be collected through a cheek swab, Justice Department spokesman Erik Ablin said. Current practice limits DNA collection to convicted felons.
Expanding the DNA database raises civil-liberties questions about the potential for misuse of such personal information. Ablin said the DNA collection would be subject to the same privacy laws applied to current DNA sampling.
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