Wisconsin implements new DNA collection law

A new Wisconsin law now requires police to collect a DNA sample from people arrested for a violent felony, even though they have not yet been convicted.

DNA samples can be a the key to cracking otherwise unsolvable cases.

"DNA solves a lot of crimes. I fully believe we need to collect all this DNA and get it in the system," Captain Steve Anderson with the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department said.

The new procedure requires officers to collect the DNA and send it into the Department of Justice in Madison to be in entered into a database.

"It's more work for us. We've never collected DNA in the past and we have to come up with policy and procedure for collecting this DNA," Anderson said.

He said he is certain his staff will have no trouble adjusting. As for the public, he said he's not so sure.

"There'll be questions because it's something new. It's something we haven't done before. There will be questions. I'm sure," Anderson said.

La Crosse attorney Cheryl Gill said for some people it may be considered an invasion of privacy.

"Let's say that you are arrested for a violent felony, they collect the DNA, it's sent to the state. It's later determined that you are innocent of all charges, they drop the charges, you request the expungment but it doesn't get done."

Gill said mistakes happen.

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Wisconsin implements new DNA collection law