A task force will begin to track down at least 3,000 convicted felons on parole or probation with DNA missing from the state database starting this week, Gov. Jim Doyle announced at a press conference Friday morning.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 convicted felons have DNA samples that do not match up in the DNA database. Doyle said at least 3,000 individuals on probation or parole have been ordered to submit DNA samples.
He said although taking DNA from individuals who are arrested but not convicted may be ""too invasive,"" other proposals including taking DNA at the time of sentencing or through routine collection by probation officers, may create a more centralized system.
Doyle said the initial count of 12,000 felons with missing DNA didn't ""add up,"" and said some of the missing DNA can be attributed to mismatched first names and to a number of individuals who served time in jail but never entered the corrections system.
Despite the number of felons with accidentally mismatched DNA, Doyle said the number of felons who are not accounted for is of ""real concern.""
""We need a much better set of communications coming from the Department of Justice and the Department of Corrections,"" he said. ""There's no way under the current [system] that the DOC would know that there are thousands of names that aren't in there.""
At the press conference, Doyle also discussed potential 2010 gubernatorial candidates, a drunken driving bill that passed through the state Assembly last week and his recent trip to China and Japan.
He said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who has expressed interest in the Democratic gubernatorial bid, would be a ""very good candidate"" and a ""tough campaigner."" Doyle declined to comment on whether he encouraged Barrett to run.
He also touched on the drunken driving bill that passed the Assembly and said he would prefer to sign a bill that makes a third conviction on a drunken driving charge a felony.
Doyle said he met with potential dairy investors in China who may look to expand business opportunities with Wisconsin. He said both China and Japan are ""well aware"" of Wisconsin's energy conservation projects, and hopes to expand trade with both countries in the coming months.
