New York State goes for more DNA in pursuit of justice
Closeup of of a DNA double helix Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory
New York has gone all in on DNA. The State Legislature approved an important expansion of the state DNA databank last week by requiring samples from practically everyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
Just as important, it also expanded defendants' access to DNA testing and evidence, so the reform will not only enhance DNA's role in convicting the guilty, but also in exonerating the innocent.
The databank was established in 1996 and has been expanded four times. But only people convicted of a felony or one of 36 misdemeanors -- about 48 percent of the state's convicted offenders -- had to submit samples. Now they will be required of every convicted offender, except first offenders guilty of possessing a small amount of marijuana.
The databank has an impressive record of effectiveness. DNA played a role in 2,900 convictions in New York since 1996, without one breech of databank security.
DNA evidence has also cleared countless suspects and helped exonerate 27 people who were wrongly convicted. Now defendants will have even greater access to DNA testing before trial and after conviction. When innocent people are cleared, police shift focus to other suspects, which helps reduce the risk that real perpetrators remain free.
By requiring DNA from convicted offenders but not suspects, Albany is protecting the right to privacy while allowing greater use of this powerful crime-fighting tool.
