Department Of Corrections Prepares To DNA Test Prisoners

All state prisoners, parolees – even those on probation – anyone who enters one of the Department of Corrections facilities will undergo DNA testing beginning next year. And, the Department is already making preparations. State lawmakers approved the DNA bill this session. State Corrections Department spokesman John Fougere says a team is in place to begin the testing. More than 4,000 state prisoners already have DNA samples on file, but that leaves nearly 26,000 prisoners to test. Also, the 62,000 on probation and parole will have to be tested. And everyone one who enters prison or even is admitted to a state diagnostic center will be tested. Fougere says DNA testing can help prosecutors make future cases, but also can help the prisoner. An expungement of a DNA sample can be requested if the court issues a dismissal of charges or reverses a decision.