![[e-mail]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v2/images/header/email-15x10.gif){kind=small}
Subscribe
![[e-mail]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v1/images/icon_email-story.gif){kind=icon}
Get News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone
![[search]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v1/images/icons/16x12/search-form-icon.gif){kind=icon}
Site SearchJamestown, N.C. — Gov. Beverly Perdue on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to collect DNA samples from anyone arrested on felony charges.
Twenty-three states and the federal government already have laws authorizing DNA samples upon arrest. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation predicted that such a law would solve 100 cases in the state within a year.
“Safe communities are a critical part of ensuring North Carolina emerges from this recession poised to be the best place in the world to live and work,” Perdue said in a statement. “We can’t create jobs or grow businesses unless folks feel safe.”
“Many violent crimes are committed by repeat offenders, and catching them early after arrest can prevent crime," Attorney General Roy Cooper said in a statement. "This proposal will save lives, prevent violent crime by repeat offenders, solve cold cases and exonerate those wrongly accused of a crime.”
Perdue also called for $10 million for the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services project to put all criminal records into one comprehensive system. The technology will help law enforcement communicate more efficiently and help catch criminals faster, she said.
Other elements of the Governor’s legislative crime package, which was announced at Guilford Technical Community College, include $5 million to expand the use of VIPER radios for communication between first responders, salary increases to recruit and retain probation officers and restoring funding for the North Carolina Victims Assistance Network.
WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.
This story is closed for comments.
First of all, the burden of proof is on the state, not on the accused.
Did we not just have a man serve over 15 years for a crime he did not commit?
And do you really think that the government will not abouse the DNA database if allowed?
How about we keep violent criminals locke up instead of letting them go back on parole time after time? But no, instead of the state maintaining their responsibility to the safety of the citizens, keep the criminials out.
Of course, nothing will change as long as you sheep keep sending the same corrupt career politicians back.
May 12, 2010 2:53 p.m.
I'm sure some happy mouth will post here that "well, then don't commit a crime." You don't have to commit a crime to be forced to give your DNA under this law....just ARRESTED.
May 12, 2010 1:54 p.m.
May 12, 2010 12:58 p.m.
Perdue wants a police state that I will not abide by. These DNA samples will be abused and eventually be used for debt collection purposes, to help imprison people who cannot pay their child support, alimony and credit cards, a clear violation of our constitutional rights. I thought Debtors prisons have been outlawed.
May 12, 2010 12:51 p.m.
For those with nothing to hide, I hope none of your family members are criminals. There was a case recently in another state where they narrowed down what family a suspect was from by similarities with dna they had on file from another crime.
May 12, 2010 11:51 a.m.