Using DNA to Solve Prostitution Slayings

Here's an article that could lead to part of the DNA Identification Act review process which is expected later this year...

Alberta's Justice Minister is calling on Ottawa to collect DNA samples from convicted clients of prostitutes and hold them in a national databank in an effort to solve a number of prostitute slayings.

One part of me says this makes sense. As the minister points out, solving these types of crime is especially difficult since the typical "John" is quite anonymous. Having the "John's" in a databank would change that.

But then there's a part of me - the same part that spoke up re inquests into the murders of any convicted offender inside our prisons - that says, hold on a second...

Given the costs and the resources required, should prostitution-type murders be a priority? Or would we rather see funds and resources go towards solving cold cases that involve truly innocent victims?

Not trying to be heartless. Just asking a tough question...

Read more at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050617/DNA17/TPNational/Canada