Collection of DNA arouses hot debate

GUANGZHOU: Police in this southern city's Baiyun district have started to keep DNA records of employees in entertainment venues, a move that has triggered much debate in the industry.

Some 4,233 employees in 118 nightclubs, KTVs (karaoke bars) and bath centers in the district's Tangjing subdistrict area have undergone DNA tests. The employees also were required to give fingerprints, handwriting samples and photographs of themselves, sources with Tangjing subdistrict's public security station said.

"After the DNA collections, those without criminal records will be issued certificates for working in such venues," said Long Shijun, deputy director of the police station, adding that police are taking the records to improve surveillance of entertainment venues long considered a hotbed of crimes.