DOJ preps for big jump in DNA testing that will begin collecting DNA April 1 via a new GOP law.
"Wisconsin currently takes DNA samples from anyone convicted of a felony and certain sex-related misdemeanors. A Republican-backed law set to take effect on April 1 dramatically expands the grounds for collection.
The measure requires local police to take DNA from anyone arrested for a violent felony and to ship the samples to the DOJ, although the agency won’t be allowed to process them until a judge finds probable cause that a crime was committed in each case. The law also requires anyone convicted of any misdemeanor to submit a DNA sample.
The law’s supporters say collecting DNA samples will help solve more crimes. Civil rights advocates, though, contend the expanded collection is an invasion of privacy.
James Andreas, forensic supervisor in the DNA unit at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory in Madison, Wis., checks the blueprints for additional lab space to accommodate nearly 20 new analysts and techs. The new workers will handle thousands of incoming samples next year when a new state law requiring police to obtain DNA upon arrest for a violent felony and upon all misdemeanor convictions (AP Photo/Todd Richmond)
James Andreas, forensic supervisor in the DNA unit at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory in Madison, checks the blueprints for additional lab space to accommodate nearly 20 new analysts and techs. The new workers will handle thousands of incoming samples next year when a new state law requiring police to obtain DNA upon arrest for a violent felony and upon all misdemeanor convictions (AP Photo/Todd Richmond)
The law means the DOJ will have to handle tens of thousands of additional samples. The agency already collects about 12,000 DNA samples from convicted felons annually and expects to receive 25,000 samples from felony arrests and 40,000 samples from misdemeanor convictions next year."
http://wislawjournal.com/2014/11/24/doj-preps-for-big-jump-in-dna-testing/
A private company in Texas will be the recipient of our big jump in DNA testing. Another move to outsource jobs.
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who were charged with misdemeanors for singing or holding signs in the State Capitol building. Of course, the charges were dismissed in the Circuit Courts, but that wouldn't stop the violation of civil rights simply for exercising and defending our First Amendment rights.
edited to add: and one friend charged with a misdemeanor for asking the cop why he was being arrested.
Boo. 
