Local Police Take Umbrage at Maryland DNA Ruling

One local police chief called the ruling the biggest setback to law enforcement in 20 years.

A recent Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a provision allowing Maryland police officers to take the DNA from defendants is a setback to public safety, according to Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger. “These DNA hits enable law enforcement to apprehend repeat offenders that prey upon our citizens thereby making our communities safer for everyone,” Manger said. The ruling affects state, county and local police jurisdictions. In nearby Takoma Park, which has its own police force separate from the county, DNA hits have solved cold cases. DNA also offers a chance to clear people of crimes, Takoma Park Police Chief Ronald Ricucci said. "This is the biggest setback to law enforcement in 20 years," Ricucci said. "It's a …

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Speak Out: Should Defendants Get DNA Tested?

MoCo officials want the Maryland Court of Appeals ruling overturned.

Earlier this week Montgomery County law enforcement officials called on Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Maryland Court of Appeals decision that bars police officers from taking DNA samples from a defendant charged with a crime. So we want to know what you think. Is taking DNA from a defendant an invasion of privacy or is a good tool to help law enforcement?

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Law Enforcement Officials Press Attorney General on DNA Provision

Several law enforcement agencies are hoping Attorney General Doug Gansler will take the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Montgomery County law enforcement officials are urging Attorney General Doug Gansler to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court decision that would deny police from taking DNA from suspects arrested for crimes of violence and burglary. In a 5-2 decision, the Maryland Court of Appeals overturned a home invasion rape conviction in the case of Alonzo King v. State of Maryland. The court's decision Tuesday reversed the 2009 provision officials said helped them solve open investigations, according to a joint release from the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Montgomery County Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Montgomery County Police Department Chief J. Thomas Manger said in a press …

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A Dog's Life

What’s In A Mutt? DNA Tests Reveal Your Mixed Dog’s Breeds

Dog DNA testing can offer insight into personality traits, health issues and activity levels linked to the various breeds.

The United Kennel Club recognizes about 400 breeds worldwide, yet most of the dogs in the world are multi-breed combinations. To clarify, a "cross-breed" is the product of two purebred dogs mating.  A "mixed-breed" dog carries more than two breeds in his DNA. A dog's breed can determine personality traits, health issues and activity levels. Some owners like the idea of adopting a mutt because of the excitement that comes with not knowing what to expect. But unless you are certain of the dog's heritage and what breeds were crossed to create him, there used to be no way to know what breeds made up your dog. Dog DNA testing is now available to help give owners a better idea of the breeds that make up their mutt. Using either saliva or blood …

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