DNA technology is becoming increasingly more significant in the resolution and prevention of many crimes. The FBI utilizes a DNA database called CODIS, which contains millions of DNA profiles of convicted offenders, forensic evidence, and now of even felony arrestees. Seventeen states currently have enacted legislation which requires DNA sampling from certain felony arrestees. Many more states are considering proposals, as well.
The fast-growing legislation, which used to only apply to sex offenders and convicted felons, has created much controversy among civil liberties advocates. However, DNA expansion is not an effort to create a database of the innocent. Furthermore, DNA profiles entered into CODIS provide basic, unique information which can be used to link an individual to crime scene evidence. They do not provide the same type of information as does testing such as predictive genetic testing. In addition, many of the new laws have provisions which call for destroying of samples if and when suspects are acquitted or charges are dropped. So, after the DNA is destroyed, it can not be used for further investigations.
Benefits of DNA expansion far outweigh any supposed cons. To date, about 50,000 CODIS hits have been made, which have linked perpetrators to forensic evidence. By expanding CODIS to include DNA profiles of felony arrestees, significantly more crimes are likely to be solved and even prevented.
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