The Government's being urged to bring in new DNA laws for criminal investigations
The Government's being urged to bring in new DNA laws for criminal investigations
24 November 2020
A Law Commission report's found the Bodily Samples Act is outdated, and fails to honour Tikanga Maori or te Tiriti o Waitangi.
More than 90 per cent of samples taken from 2018 to 2019, were demanded by police officers, with no judicial oversight.
Maori Genomics Researcher Karaitiana Taiuru says police have almost limitless power.
He says they're able to use their discretion - which means Maori are more likely to be forced to provide DNA.
The report will shortly be tabled in Parliament.
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