Cooper to observe how NC’s new DNA law is used

GREENSBORO, NC (AP) — North Carolina Attorney General Roy
Cooper is visiting the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office to see how
the state’s new DNA policy is being implemented.

A statement from the sheriff’s office said Cooper will discuss
on Thursday how DNA technology is fighting crime. Deputies will
demonstrate how DNA samples are collected from suspects.

Under a new state law that took effect Feb. 1, police are
directed to take samples from suspects charged with murder, rape
and other serious crimes.

The sample will be entered into the state DNA database to
determine whether the suspect may be linked to other crimes. The
DNA record will be deleted if the person is acquitted or charges
are dismissed.

A news conference will be held in the classroom of the sheriff’s
office.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)