Indiana may create DNA record on every person arrested for felony … – nwitimes.com

INDIANAPOLIS Hoosiers arrested for any felony, starting in 2018, likely will have their DNA collected by cheek swab and their genetic record stored in a state police database.

State Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem, the sponsor of Senate Enrolled Act 322, said taking a DNA sample from every person arrested for a felony, instead of only those convicted of felonies, will help police solve more crimes similar to fingerprinting.

Opponents argued the DNA sampling is an illegal search, since police can use the DNA records for investigatory purposes, and not just identification.

"Our Constitution is pretty clear that you can't go and take things from people without a warrant to conduct an investigation. But here we're doing that," said state Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis.

The legislation does contain a process for removing an individual's DNA from the database if the person is not convicted of a felony.

It passed the Senate, 36-13, and the House, 84-13.

Gov. Eric Holcomb now must decide whether to sign the measure into law.

Read more:
Indiana may create DNA record on every person arrested for felony ... - nwitimes.com