Mr. Richard A. Lanham, Sr.
Commissioner of Correction
6776 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21215
Re: DNA Testing
Dear Mr. Lanham:
I have received inquiries from around the System regarding DNA testing.
I have been advising inmates to decline taking the test pending advice of counsel. It is my understanding that the Legal Aid Bureau is examining this issue and hopes to issue an opinion shortly.
This is to request that you or a member of your staff provide me with the statute(s), regulation(s), guideline(s) and/or policy(ies) conferring authority to the Division with regard to typing their DNA. In particular, what if any are the possible sanctions for refusing the test. (This is especially relevant since there may be confusion with the PPD testing for tuberculosis being carried on at the same time.) With this information, I will be able to answer questions and offer explanations in the future.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Nancy Moran
Volunteer
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