Sheriff Harran applauds committee advancement of critical DNA public safety bill
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran today praised the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee for advancing Senate Bill 912, critical legislation he has championed alongside state Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) and Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn to expand DNA collection for serious crimes.
“Senate Bill 912 is a critical, commonsense step forward for public safety in Pennsylvania,” Sheriff Harran said. “For too long, we’ve missed the opportunity to collect DNA at the time of arrest. Collecting this DNA – just like we would a fingerprint – will allow law enforcement to identify violent, repeat offenders and even exonerate the innocent.”
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Farry, would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to solve cold cases, identify perpetrators, and protect communities. The bill would:
- Require DNA collection from individuals arrested for serious violent or sexual offenses.
- Close a loophole in state law by requiring DNA samples from individuals convicted of criminal homicide, which is currently classified separately from other felonies.
Sheriff Harran, Sen. Farry, and DA Schorn have been working on this legislation after meeting with Ashley Spence, a victim advocate. Ms. Spence was raped by a stranger, and her attacker went unidentified for years until California passed arrestee DNA legislation. That measure led directly to the identification of her perpetrator, who was also found to be responsible for several other sexual attacks. Earlier this year, Ms. Spence was a guest on Sheriff Harran’s Law & Order: BUX podcast – episode available HERE.
Thirty-one other states and the federal government already collect DNA at the time of arrest. By bringing Pennsylvania in line with these standards, Harran explains police can stop serial offenders before they strike again, bring closure to victims, and ensure the innocent are not wrongfully punished.
“Our mission in law enforcement is to do the work today to prevent a victim tomorrow; this measure helps us do just that,” said Harran. “I commend Sen. Farry for his leadership on this issue and urge the full Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation without delay.”
Senate Bill 912 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
