August 18, 2016
Maori views considered in DNA grab review
The Law Commission is to review the way DNA samples are collected and stored.
Police have powers under the 20-year-old Criminal investigations (Bodily Samples) Act to collect, retain and use DNA in criminal investigations.
In 2009 the government amended the Act to give police the power to take DNA samples without pre-approval from a judge if they intended to charge someone with an imprisonable offence.
Commission president Douglas White QC says the law needs to be brought up to date to take account of technology change.
Commissioner Wayne Mapp, who is in charge of the project, says the use of DNA science raises important questions of privacy, bioethics and tikanga Maori which will be considered as part of the review.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com