Brian Neeson Opposition Police Spokesperson

10 February 2000

Hawkins' support for DNA sampling welcomed

DNA sampling on arrest will be a key tool in fighting crime and Police Minister George Hawkins' support for the policy proposed by National last year is welcomed says Opposition Police Spokesperson Brian Neeson.

"The previous National government proposed this policy but the Labour Opposition weren't interested in supporting it at the time.

"National would strongly consider supporting a bill allowing swabs to be taken from suspects for DNA sampling but Mr Hawkins will run into trouble when he tries to get his proposal past the civil libertarians in the Alliance.

"The Alliance will be more concerned with the rights of the criminal than in fighting crime. They are out of touch with New Zealanders on tougher sentences and no doubt they will be out of touch on DNA sampling.

"National has a record of being tough on crime and we will continue to support initiatives that will put more criminals behind bars," Mr Neeson said.

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