Gov. to propose taking DNA at arrest

Associated Press

Updated: Apr 9, 2012 4:00 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he'll include a proposal in his next state budget requiring suspects in some felony and serious sex-related cases to submit DNA upon arrest.

Twenty-five states and the federal government collect DNA from suspects upon arrest. Under Wisconsin law, suspects don't have to give up DNA until they're convicted or investigators obtain a warrant to seize it.

Sen. Sheila Harsdorf introduced a bill in October calling for DNA seizures upon arrest, but the state Justice Department estimated the change would cost millions of dollars each year to implement and the measure died.

Walker, a Republican, said Monday taking DNA upon arrest will help police link suspects to crimes more quickly, getting violent offenders off the streets faster and saving money by shortening investigations.

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