Is this racial profiling?

... not the focus on race.

I have no problems with there being a database of DNA profiles of those with criminal records, but given the blurring of lines in the fingerprint arena, I am very wary of what can come with DNA.

Used to be there was only a criminal fingerprint database. Well, now teachers, anyone who works with kids, etc. are routinely fingerprinted for the purposes of background checks. I heard of a school where kids use a thumbprint in a machine to buy their meals in the school cafeteria recently. Are we sure these records are kept separate?

The instant reaction is that if one is innocent one has nothing to fear. And a false DNA match is practically impossible. But then what becomes of that DNA profile if it is not a match in this case? Is it expunged, or is it tucked away so that at some later date it can be scanned again.

The dragnet should be limited to those who DID match a description or gave probable cause to detain for questioning.

Evie

This is no Sherlock Holmes we're talking about here.

Dan

Hi, Dave.

IMO, it's not racial profiling. It is, however, too broad, indiscriminate and arbitrary to pass Constitutional muster. It's also the type of ham-handed "investigation" that so often promotes suspicion and resentment in people, especially in minority populations.

where the town police approach their work with the mindset that the entire population is nothing but a bunch of college kids (U. of VA) who can be kept in line (or at least kept over on Rugby Road where the only damage they can cause is to the frat houses...) with a bit of over-the-top "show of authority." The kids are either 1) used to having no rights to speak of as mere "students" or 2) unaware of their rights. Thus the police can get away with taking a few liberties in their work procedures (pun intended). Whether this publicity will result in a better police department is unknown.

dw