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DNA technology has emerged as one of law enforcement's most remarkable breakthroughs. The ability to identify perpetrators of sexual violence and other crimes has advanced the field of law enforcement immensely. Conversely, many innocent individuals have been exonerated through the application of DNA technology. While the development of this investigative tool is viewed as a major step forward in enhancing law enforcement’s ability to identify offenders, anti-rape activists must tread carefully in our support of its use. There is a long and documented history of racism, racial profiling and other police abuse targeting people of color and other marginalized communities. Law Enforcement officers both white and black still hold many racist myths and assumptions that result in the abuse and misuse of power and the tools to wield it. Armed with yet another tool, there is concern that DNA may provide another means of racial profiling and disproportionate enforcement of laws against blacks and other people of color.
With the implementation of new laws that expand the use of DNA, policies that must also be expanded to protect against abuse and misuse. The policies should include guidelines including, from who it is appropriate to collect samples; proper collection and disposal, both of victims DNA and that of those eliminated as suspects; and guidelines that ensure that DNA dragnets or other improper practices that result in racial profiling are discouraged.
As anti-rape advocates invested in justice, it is the responsibility of the NAESV and others in the movement to be speak to this concern as we would to any issue facing survivors. When tools are used in ways that are abusive in the name of justice and anti-rape, we become co-conspirators with the very powers that we seek to change.
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