Calif AG defends DNA samples from felony arrestees

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California Attorney General Jerry Brown is defending a law enforcement policy that allows police to collect DNA samples from anyone arrested on felony charges, regardless of the outcome of their cases.

The policy was approved by voters in 2004.

The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the practice as an unconstitutional search. The group is scheduled Tuesday to ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to suspend the DNA collection while its lawsuit is pending.

Brown, who is running for governor, spoke outside court before Tuesday’s hearing, defending the DNA collection as akin to collecting fingerprints and mug shots of all arrestees.

He says the DNA samples have led to arrests of dangerous criminals.