The use of rapid DNA field testing technology by law enforcement is one step from becoming law.  Senate Bill 184, which would use the technology to quickly determine if an arrestee is already in the system for a previous serious offense, is headed to the governor’s desk for review.

SB 184, authored by Sen. Wayne Shaw, R-Grove, allows law enforcement to take a DNA sample at the time of a felony arrest and immediately cross check it against other databases to determine if the arrestee is already in the system for a previous offense.  This allows law enforcement to detain the offender immediately if the rapid DNA field test indicates a match elsewhere in the system, as opposed to waiting for the traditional DNA testing process that typically takes much longer.

“Currently, law enforcement in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) all have the ability to test DNA samples, but testing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months,” said Shaw.  “Allowing the use of rapid DNA technology will streamline the work of law enforcement to identify a repeat offender of a serious crime.  Over time, as more local agencies acquire the sample collection equipment and implement its use, it will undoubtedly strengthen the system and more effectively identify repeat offenders of serious crimes.”

SB 184 clarifies that DNA collections must be collected by trained medical personnel, law enforcement, judicial personnel and employees or contractors of these organizations. Individuals with DNA already on file are, under this measure, no longer exempt from additional testing. The bill authorizes detention facilities to collect DNA if they possess Rapid DNA technology and if the collected sample is used for DNA matching or identification. If there is no match, samples collected in a detention facility must be discarded after a test.   The measure also allows the Native American tribes to purchase the rapid DNA collection equipment if they choose.