Thanks to better technology and falling costs in recent years, the use of DNA in addressing public safety challenges has increased. In 49 states, DNA collection is required for convicted felons.Now some lawmakers in Washington want to join the 24 states that also require DNA collection at arrest for violent felony crimes and sex crimes. The hope is that offenders can be caught earlier in their criminal progression, since studies show that many criminals are serial offenders. Rep. Jeannie Darneille, sponsor of HB 1369, and other supporters think this practice will lead to reduced rates of criminality, resolution of cold cases, and lower investigation costs.
This afternoon, Rep. Darneille was joined by Sen. Karen Fraser, the sponsor of the companion bill in the Senate, and other supporters at a press conference following hearings on both bills. They were joined by Jayann Sepich, a public safety advocate from New Mexico who started a national campaign for arrestee DNA databases in honor of her murdered daughter Katie Sepich, along with King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Lindquist, Rep. Christopher Hurst, Grays Harbor County Sheriff Mike Whelan and others.
Read more about the legislation here.
