DHS to Begin Collecting DNA of Anyone Arrested

Foobar of Borg writes "The AP is reporting that the US will soon be collecting the DNA of anyone who is arrested by a federal law enforcement agency and any foreigner who is detained, whether or not charges are eventually brought. This begins to bring the US in line with the UK which, as discussed before on Slashdot, is trying to collect DNA of 'potential criminals' as young as five. DHS spokesman Russ Knocke stated that 'DNA is a proven law-enforcement tool.'"

Simple Solution

[segedunum]

Don't get arrested or do anything remotely questionable (in the UK you get swabbed even if you're just cautioned) and don't go to the US. Oh, and if you do go to the US, don't accidentally drop anything down the plane toilet on your way there.

The new Miranda Warning

[Jodaxia]

...anything you say or DNA will be held against you in a court of law.

Re:perhaps I'm missing something

[techpawn]

I don't know if the method here is different (does hair or a cheek swab provide a useful sample?)

The article said cheek swab, but still "we need you to open your mouth so we can stick this in" sounds like something the government is telling us to do a lot lately...

You could already be a winner!

[Dreadneck]

Enter the DHS DNA Sweepstakes now for your chance to win an all expense paid vacation at your regional FEMA Happy Clown Candy Fun Camp. No purchase necessary!

War is peace, ignorance is strength, slavery is freedom.

Re:Shred and Incinerate

[EricWright]

you also need to flush or incinerate everything with your DNA on it.

I predict mass outbreaks of nudity, hilarity and squeamishness soon to follow.

Re:Cut taxes until the federal government collapse

[Richard W.M. Jones]

The ultimate form of revolution is tax cuts. The more you cut taxes, the more the government will collapse.

Yeah, that's worked really well over in the US for the last 8 years.

Rich.

Re:perhaps I'm missing something

[Anonymous Coward]

'bend over and take it' seems to be the vibe I get from the USA, not "we need you to open your mouth so we can stick this in"

Re:Fingerprinting in Texas

[PC and Sony Fanboy]

Awesome idea. I have no problems invading the privacy of others so long as it protects me. Just don't invade *my* privacy.

...

Re:Would you DNA the Pope ??

[Anonymous Coward]

Heck, just find one of his altar boys. DNA all over.

Re:Balance of power.

[FredFredrickson]

Not to mention- the loopholes opened up to framing somebody.

Step 1. Obtain Somebody else's DNA
Step 2. Commit Crime
Step 3. Deposit DNA
Step 4. ???
Step 5. Profit