QLD: DNA testing to be expanded

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2001
QLD: DNA testing to be expanded

BRISBANE, April 15 AAP - DNA testing will be expanded in Queensland to people held
in police watchhouses.

At present prisoners jailed for indictable offences have to give mouth swabs as police
build up their information data base.

Premier Peter Beattie today said from April 26, suspects held in watchhouses on serious
offences would be ordered to provide body samples.

Those held on lesser charges would have the option to refuse, he said.

The move has drawn criticism from the Civil Liberties Council.

Vice president Terry O'Gorman said it questioned the balance between police powers
and civil rights.

Mr Beattie said the move was part of the government's crackdown on crime.

"Modern science and technology is giving police sophisticated tools to track down criminals
and DNA testing is revolutionising police work," Mr Beattie said.

"On the other side of the coin it will also help people to be proven innocent," Mr Beattie said.

Last week the Queensland Appeals Court freed a man jailed for rape after DNA tests
proved he was not involved.

Police Minister Tony McGrady said since British police introduced DNA testing the clear-up
rate for burglary had risen from 10 per cent to 40 per cent.

The DNA profiles would eventually be added to a national data base for all Australian
police under the Commonwealth Government's Crim Trac program, Mr McGrady said.

AAP geb/cdh

KEYWORD: DNA

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