The recent arrest of a suspected rapist in a West Michigan case is the result of legislation I supported that requires DNA samples to be taken from suspected felons.

In this case, the suspect was already serving time for another offense, but because the person’s DNA was taken for that crime, law enforcement was able to link the person to a previously unsolved 14-year-old rape case.

The new laws were signed last January and recently took effect this summer. These laws build upon and strengthen previous Senate legislation that expanded DNA collection, to provide law enforcement with an important tool to conduct more accurate investigations more quickly to help identify suspects and bring them to justice.

The 2011 law required collection of DNA samples from all incarcerated individuals who had yet to provide a sample, and from all new convicts within 90 days of entering the prison population, whereas the new laws require the collection of a DNA sample from anyone arrested for committing or attempting to commit a felony.

It is important to note that, should a suspect be declared innocent, any and all DNA samples for that person will be destroyed.

Crime affects us all because the most basic needs of families, job providers, tourists and workers are safe communities to do business, visit, work and raise a family. By continuing to focus on public safety, we can protect our loved ones, help create jobs and free up resources to support other priorities.

I believe these new laws to be powerful additions for our law enforcement professionals, especially when it comes to solving cold cases. They will help bring swift justice to criminals, a better sense of closure for victims and safer communities for Southwest Michigan families.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the governor to improve Michiganders’ quality of life as we strive to reduce crime, ensure the safety of our communities and help to bring new investment and jobs to our state.

 

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents Southwest Michigan.