Appeals court: Inmates can be forced to submit DNA test samples

ATLANTA - Felons in prison can be forced to submit saliva samples for DNA profiling, a federal appeals court has ruled.<br> <br> The samples do not violate the inmates&#39; privacy rights or guarantees against unreasonable search and seizure, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a unanimous decision on Friday.<br> <br> Two inmates have claimed the practice is illegal because their saliva can be taken without consent.<br> <br> Georgia keeps felons&#39; DNA profiles in a database maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The profiles are used during investigations and can be requested by local police jurisdictions.<br> <br> The state has a compelling state interest for the database and that it was narrowly tailored because it applied only to incarcerated felons and can be used only during criminal investigations, the court ruled.<br> <br>