UPDATED (6:45 p.m.)—Baltimore County police have resumed collection of DNA samples from people arrested on felony charges.
County Police Chief Jim Johnson announced the decision late Thursday afternoon.
Johnson, in a statement, ordered the resumption of DNA collections beginning at 6 p.m.
The decision to once again collect the samples comes one day after Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issues a stay on a Maryland Court of Appeals ruling banning the practice.
County officials initially said Wednesday, following Roberts' order, that the samples until after opponents had an opportunity to file a response with Roberts.
State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said he changed his mind after he and Johnson spoke with Maryland State Police officials and were given assurances that they were able to resume accepting the samples and "their meticulous record keeping would allow us to identify the samples should the stay later be lifted."
Shellenberger said he is no longer concerned that county police will experience difficulties resulting from ceasing DNA collection after restarting today.
"Chief Johnson assured me his department can easily flip the switch and turn this off if needed," Shellenberger said.
County police from persons arrested on felony charges in April after the state's highest court ruled 5-2 that the practice was unconstitutional.
The ruling was in response to an appeal filed by Alonzo King who was arrested in 2009. Wicomico County collected King's DNA at the time of his arrest and later charged him in a 2003 rape, for which he was ultimately convicted.
Lawyers for King argued that the DNA swab violated their client's Fourth Amendment rights.
Roberts has given King's attorneys until July 25 to respond.
Perhaps you could provide us with your definition of what it means to be a socialist..?
Second - http://www.sp-usa.org/ - The Socialist Party USA sums it up pretty well.
Are you asserting that being arrested makes one a criminal? Lots of criminals are never arrested and some people who are arrested are not criminals. Being arrested does not make you guilty of a crime.
"FIFA, Social Security started as a voluntary program...you didn't have to participate if you didn't want to....you don't have to use Medicare if you choose not to" You have to participate in these programs, you have no choice if you have earned income. Hope that clears it up.
Does not include on an individual basis, certain capital gains, dividends, interest, royalties and the like. Although with the Affordable Care Act, parts of the above will be subject to a Medicare tax for high income earners.
A little high on the conspiracy side, but I totally understand and emphasize with your view David. I'm sorry this garbage happened to you.
Eye for an Eye justice doesn’t mean vigilantism entirely. Again Maryland is a pansy state which doesn’t believe in the death penalty. If someone takes a life their life should be also taken (hence eye for an eye) if convicted without a reasonable doubt. One way to ensure this is the use of DNA sampling no different the video evidence, eye witness evidence again just another tool.
Not that you are guilty or accused of any crime but we sure would catch all those that visit child pornography sites and many other questionable sites.