The ACT is failing to make use of a critical weapon in the fight
against crime. In October 2000, the ACT Parliament passed the
Crimes (Forensic Procedures) Act which allows for the compulsory
testing of prisoners who have been convicted of an offence
carrying a penalty of two or more years in jail. In effect, this
means every prisoner because virtually no-one goes to jail in
the ACT for an offence with a maximum penalty of less than that.
The ACT Deputy Chief Police Officer Andy Hughes says police have
been evaluating options to find the best way to collect the
samples. He cited the fact that ACT prisoners go to NSW jails as
a difficulty. In fact, it should be an asset. NSW tests all
prisoners in its system. ACT prisoners have protested against
the procedure without much success. Perhaps the ACT arms of the
Australian Federal Police could politely ask the NSW corrections
service for the samples, or for the results of the samples.
Victoria has made much of the new powers. Since testing began in
2000, Victorian