Major Texas city police chiefs -- including Austin's Art Acevedo -- are calling on state lawmakers to make DNA collection mandatory for anyone arrested for a Class B misdemeanor or higher.

Meeting at the State Capitol, the chiefs called it a vital crime-fighting tool. They say the estimated $32 million expense to implement DNA testing is a cost lawmakers must consider as a priority.

"Really when you talk about this bill -- what's the cost of having somebody in jail that shouldn't be in jail? You can't really put a price tag on that. And what's the cost of letting someone roam the street and commit several more crimes and victimize society? You can't put a cost on that," said Kevin Cooper, Texas Police Chiefs Association.

But not everyone agrees that police departments should be taking on DNA collection.

"It's very costly to take DNA samples and to store them. It raises a lot of questions about individuals' rights and their civil liberties. And quite frankly it raises concerns about the safety of our police officers. Our police officers are law enforcement officials and not necessarily phlebotomists or trained medical technicians," said Mike Martinez, Austin city council member

Martinez says he wants the public to weigh in before the Austin Police Department starts collecting DNA samples.

While Acevedo was not present, he is a member of the major city chiefs and has stated his support for DNA testing of those arrested for Class B misdemeanor or higher offenses.