Local

TPD has no plans to DNA test all arrested suspects

A ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that police can collect DNA samples during an arrest without a warrant won't have any immediate impact in Tulsa.

TPD does not currently  collect DNA unless they believe they need it for a specific investigation, Ofcr. Leland Ashley tells KRMG.

"We can ask voluntarily for a DNA sample, a buccal swab, or we'll apply for a search warrant," he said.

He said the department may consider revising its policy, but that would likely take some time.

He points out that collecting that many DNA samples would greatly increase the backlog at forensic laboratories that process them and return the findings to law enforcement.

There would be no point to collecting thousands of samples a month then not using them, he said.

"You wouldn't want to take that buccal swab and just have it sit somewhere," Ashley told KRMG. "Obviously you'd want to use that, and see if it maybe did tie this individual to another crime."

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