Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/to-my-relatives-behave-yourselves

Comment #3961

2018-04-29T12:14:21Z

I agree with you on this one, Don, and I know that—whether we read the fine print or not—when we sign up for almost any service, genealogical or not, we're acknowledging that law enforcement with proper authority can get our data, not to mention that just about anyone can get our data if we make it public. Red light cameras and CCTV are also very helpful in catching criminals.

Nonetheless, there's a reason we hedge the power of our authorities. And I see all around me people eager to give up their liberties (and those of their children) for the sake of perceived improvements in safety—from the Patriot Act to boring playground equipment—and it concerns me. Not to mention the fact that when we give out our information, especially DNA information, we are making that choice not only for ourselves but for other people as well.

Comment #3960

2018-04-29T11:27:39Z

The Golden State Killer is accused of a dozen murders and almost fifty rapes. How many of these would not have occurred if GEDmatch had been around forty years ago? Of course if GEDmatch had been around and the police weren't allowed to use it or people were too worried about privacy, etc. then all of them would still have happened.

Comment #3959

2018-04-29T00:02:19Z

Ah, yes, of course. Hasty writing of the post + hasty reading of the comment = trouble. Fixed now.

Comment #3958

2018-04-28T22:50:56Z

I haven't given this a ton of thought, but for some reason I am less bothered by what the police did here - basically acting like someone submitting their DNA and looking for matches - than if they specifically asked for a warrant to get my DNA results.

Comment #3957

2018-04-28T22:48:27Z

Statue vs. Statute.

I think Stephan is busting your chops.

Comment #3956

2018-04-28T21:00:45Z

Until 2016, when the law changed, rape cases in California generally had to be prosecuted within 10 years, though apparently even then exceptions could be made if new DNA evidence turned up. I'd call this new DNA evidence! My guess is that they have enough to prosecute him for, so they're only going to bother with the best cases.

Comment #3955

2018-04-28T20:21:40Z

There's no statue of limitations for rape. Even if there were, somebody would sue to take it down.