Pen-Elayne on the Web

DNAbled

Today's NYCBlogger/RNN question is NYC To Be 1st To Use DNA To Indict Unidentified Sex Offenders: Your Reaction? And because this is the first question I've seen from them that actually engenders discussion instead of shutting it down or leading with a prejudgment (thanks Mike!), I'm going to answer it.

A couple days ago, Bean at Ampersand's blog (link at sidebar) did a great post about the growing incidence of rape. The Guardian article to which she linked mentioned, among other things, that "false allegations of rape are just as rare as false allegations of any other crime - about 2%." Given the 98% likelihood, therefore, of these sex offenders actually having committed the crimes of which they've been accused, and DNA testing is the most accurate and effective technology currently available with which to identify these offenders, I don't see a down side to this legislation. But given that it's Mayor Mike, I'm prepared to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism. Maybe civil libertarians can enlighten me on this score?

Update: Jeralyn Merritt says "we don't like this one bit," and explains her reasoning.