The epic catalogue of legislation, much of it flimsy, rolled out by Rep. Dawn Creekmore includes requiring DNA sampling of people arrested in certain serious crimes. DNA database. Simple idea. No-brainer, right?

Nothing is simple. Thanks to Eric for a tip to this extensive Slate article on the general topic. One potential hazard: the racial disparity in existing databases.

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Once the implications of the racial disparity become clear, there may be a reaction against ever-more-expansive forms of DNA collection that makes the debate about racial profiling look tame.

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