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Capacity questioned as state prepares to take more DNA samples

With seven weeks left before Missouri starts collecting DNA samples from all convicted felons, some in the law enforcement community wonder if enough money and personnel are available for the task. But a state legislator who led efforts to require the sampling says the new law behind it creates adequate funding. Missouri already takes DNA samples from violent felons and sex offenders. Starting Jan. 1, all imprisoned felons will have their DNA sampled before release. The state Department of Corrections releases about 350 felons each week, a spokesman said. The expanded sampling reflects the idea that dangerous criminals are often convicted of lesser offenses before committing more violent crimes. Thirty-three other states collect DNA from all convicted felons. "If we get the convicts into our database, we may save countless victims," said Kim Gorman, a biochemist and president of PTC Laboratories in Columbia. But Gorman said she was worried that some offenders could be released before the Missouri State Highway Patrol can buy enough DNA collection kits, which generally provide for swabbing cells from inside the cheek. [more] and [more]