Crime & Safety
Should Cops Ask Parent Permission Before Taking DNA Samples?
Authorities have collected DNA samples from local students while investigating Jessica Funk-Haslam's killing.
When detectives take DNA samples from minors, should parents have to give persmission?
That's the question at least one parent wants answered, according to Fox 40.
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department investigators took DNA samples from Albert Einstein Middle School students last week while investigating the killing of Jessica Funk-Haslam, Fox 40 reported.
Find out what's happening in Rosemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Parent Michaela Brown told Rosemont Patch she thinks parents or attorneys should have been present while DNA samples were being taken.
A legal analyst told Fox 40 that's not the case.
Find out what's happening in Rosemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Ideally, you'd want the juvenile's parents or legal guardian there, but the police don't have to have them there to take a DNA swab," Ken Rosenfeld told the station.
Sheriff's department spokesman Dep. Jason Ramos told the station the department doesn't require parental consent.
Rosemont, what do you think? If investigators took DNA samples from your kids, would you want to be asked for permission?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.