Gov't to store DNA samples of convicted felons

SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Yonhap) -- The Cabinet passed a motion Tuesday allowing
authorities to collect and store DNA samples of convicted felons for use in
future investigations.
Law enforcement agencies will be authorized to collect DNA from individuals
arrested for such crimes as murder, armed robbery, rape, kidnapping and
extortion, officials said.
Crime labs will then develop profiles from the samples and enter them into the
government's databank.
Suspects can have their DNA expunged from the database if they are found not
guilty or if their convictions are reversed, officials said.
In a separate motion, the Cabinet also approved a one-year deployment extension
for South Korea's naval unit operating off the Somali coast, whose term expires
at the end of this year.
The Cheonghae unit has been operating in the Gulf of Aden since early March as
part of a U.S.-led multinational anti-piracy campaign.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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