[binarytrees]

It's only getting worse. Some DA offices are asking for DNA samples from minor offenses ( Misdemeanors ) for a decent plea or no time. When your only job is to win and put people away you're going to do whatever you can to accomplish this. It's the same as any company trying to dominate a particular industry or become the best. Our Justice system needs another change similar to the change from punishment to rehabilitation.

[bmelton]

It's even worse than that, actually. In Pittsburgh, PA, police were taking DNA samples at roadblocked checkpoints. Not sobriety checkpoints, mind you -- roadblocks established solely for the purpose of collecting DNA from the citizenry.

[DanBC]

That's shocking.

How long are the DNA samples kept for?

It's a bit scary that "they" seem to want everyone on their DNA databases, rather than realising the database is more effective if they try to only include the criminals.

[venomsnake]

I can bet that no matter what is on the books, the real answer is close to forever about how long they are kept. The huge funneling of money into law enforcement from war on drugs and terror creates the mentality.

[evan_]

This isn't the whole story, but the real story is only slightly less frightening:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/12/18/pa-town-latest-to-force...