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| 3/21/2009 6:00:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Protecting the public and our civil liberties
 | Rep. Scott R. Tipton
A view from the Capitol
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Too often the debate on using new technologies in crime fighting is framed as a zero-sum game of conceding either public safety or civil liberties. Katie's Law, which was recently introduced in the Colorado General Assembly with bipartisan support, balances these two important policy goals by using DNA technology to prevent violent crimes while still being respectful of our individual rights.
As a sponsor in the Colorado House of Representatives, I am committed to passing this critical legislation during the 2009 session. Katie's Law allows our law enforcement to collect DNA swabs upon felony arrest, which gives them an advantage in solving cold cases and helps put the right person behind bars. This technology is used only to collect identifying markers in the human DNA molecule, much like a fingerprint. It offers no genetic or medical information. It takes merely 13 to 15 of the three billion markers in the complex human DNA molecule.
Already 15 states across the nation have enacted this legislation. In these states, matches have been made that put violent criminals behind bars, innocent individuals were freed for crimes they did not commit, and DNA collected from those arrested but not charged was destroyed. Although the primary purpose of this bill is to put violent criminals behind bars, these other two benefits are just as important. Much like we cannot put a price tag on an individual's life, we cannot put a price tag on their freedom.
Endorsed by numerous members of the law enforcement community, this bill will save tax dollars by cutting down the countless hours spent interviewing uninvolved suspects, chasing cold cases and pursuing inaccurate leads. It will also save time and money in our already overburdened judicial system by offering accurate information on criminal cases brought before the courts.
However, we know this legislation comes with an initial price tag attached. As a fiscal conservative, I am committed to find a way to fund Katie's Law without burdening the people of Colorado with another financial obligation in a time of economic distress. But as a husband and father of two daughters, I believe we cannot afford not to pass this legislation. If 2009 is not the right time to save lives, when will it be? Next year may be too late for too many of Colorado's women and children.
We know the names of the countless victims who have been brutalized over the years by violent felons. Without Katie's Law, too many of them will never be able to tell their stories of what happened and who did it. This law will help tell those stories and bring those responsible to justice.
I hope you will join me in supporting Katie's Law and encourage members of the Colorado Legislature to do the same. To join this effort, please send an e-mail to Scott.Tipton.House@State.CO.US or visit my Web site, www.ScottRTipton.com.
Scott R. Tipton is the state representative for House District 58, which includes part of Montezuma County as well as Dolores, San Miguel, Ouray and Montrose counties and part of Delta County. Contact Rep. Tipton at the Capitol by phone (303) 866-2955.
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