Genomic Carcerality: Science, Technology & Law in the Emergence of Bio/Surveillance

The use of the human genome by the US state for law enforcement purposes has brought together science, technology and law to expand the surveillance of human bodies using genetic code. The supposed neutrality and uniqueness of DNA material has captivated the state, allowing for the insidious and rapid proliferation of DNA mechanisms and tools, supported by technoscientific advancements and political interests. This has allowed for growing efforts to populate DNA databases by increasing the number of localized law enforcement databases, importing DNA databases for law enforcement purposes and increasing arrestee DNA collection, thereby shifting the overall purpose of DNA to become a law enforcement surveillance tool. This dissertation investigates the shift in the use of genetic DNA to genomic DNA and unearths the assemblages involved in its production, promotion and proliferation. Through a five year multi-method study, including ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews and archival research, this project offers genomic carcerality as a theoretical paradigm to encompass and contain the assemblages involved in the landscape of DNA use by law enforcement. This landscape is situated at the convergence of science, technology and law through the assemblages involved within.