Samples of DNA, the so-called gold standard of proof in criminal cases, could be taken from anyone suspected of a serious crime in Wisconsin. Under a bill introduced by Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, and Rep. Ann Hraychuck, D-Balsam Lake, county sheriffs would be required to collect a cheek swab from adults arrested on suspicion of felony crimes and juveniles found delinquent for certain sexual offenses at the time they're booked into jail, rather than after conviction.

Called "DNA Saves," the bill is similar to what 21 other states have on the books. It makes sense for Wisconsin to use this technology as a way to catch repeat offenders and to expedite investigations.

DNA, dubbed by some as "the magic bullet," has exonerated many innocent people nationwide and helped convict guilty ones. While it may seem like an invasion of privacy, police already take fingerprints, so a cheek swab isn't much different.

The only concern is making sure innocent people have their DNA samples expunged from the databank. The American Civil Liberties Union, not surprisingly, is urging lawmakers to add this protection The proposal, as it stands, would allow those cleared of crimes because they were never charged, the charges were dropped or their convictions were overturned to request to have their DNA removed. Go a step further and have the state automatically remove it in those cases. To ensure this happens, the state should include an audit. Is the data being entered correctly? Is it removed when needed?

The proposal comes on the heels of a discovery that an estimated 12,000 convicts may have failed to give mandatory DNA samples over the nine years it has been required in Wisconsin. This illustrates both the need for the earlier collection of DNA and the need to make sure it's done right.

The Post Crescent (Appleton)