Local Police Take Umbrage at Maryland DNA Ruling

A recent Maryland Court of Appeals ruling allowing Maryland police officers to take the DNA from defendants is a setback to public safety, according to Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger.

“These DNA hits enable law enforcement to apprehend repeat offenders that prey upon our citizens thereby making our communities safer for everyone,” Manger said.

The ruling affects state, county and local police jurisdictions.

Maryland State Police employees were notified Tuesday to immediately cease collection and analysis of anyone arrested and charged with a qualifying crime of violence, or first, second or third-degree burglary, or attempts to commit any of those crimes.

Maryland law enforcement officials are calling on Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and overturn the ruling.

Patch reader comments of police being able to take DNA from defendants arrested in certain crimes.

"MD now a days is such a dangerous state, we need all the tools we can to help preserve public safety," Jason Jones commented. "If that means giving DNA, I'm ready to take my swab."

Roald Schrack mused: If there is a fingerprint database, then why shouldn't there be a DNA database?

"It seems to me that all parties should desire the use of such a positive means of identification if the truth is what is desired," Schrack said. "The building up of a database of DNA samples would seem to be a good idea from any standpoint."

What do you think of the ruling? Tell us in the comments.