Law starting April 1 expands DNA collection, offers 'new tool'

RACINE COUNTY A new law that will greatly expand the way DNA is collected by law enforcement agencies will give them a new tool to fight crime, according to Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

DNA samples are currently only required for anyone convicted of a felony and certain sex-related misdemeanors.

Starting April 1, law enforcement will be required to take DNA from anyone arrested for a violent felony anything from homicides to burglaries and stalking and certain sex-related misdemeanors. The law also requires anyone convicted of a misdemeanor after April 1 to submit a DNA sample.

The big change is collecting DNA while a person is arrested, said Racine County Sheriffs Lt. Steve Sikora.

DNA is huge these days, Sikora said. Look at all the crimes solved.

Schmaling pointed out DNA was used to help find a suspect in the 1997 slaying of 14-year-old Amber Creek.

The Illinois girls body was left in a Town of Burlington wildlife preserve. For 17 years the case went unsolved; last year, DNA reportedly connected James Eaton to evidence found on the girl.

Schmaling said there are cases like the Amber Creek case that could also be solved with more DNA evidence.

Im excited about it, Schmaling said about the proposed law change. It will provide law enforcement with a new tool that will provide closure and relief to victims and exonerate the wrongfully accused.

Schmaling said he felt it will also ultimately save taxpayer money; it will reduce investigation time and court time by helping build stronger cases.

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Law starting April 1 expands DNA collection, offers 'new tool'