New York State Set to Add All Convict DNA to Its Database

[excuse not to write]

Source: NY Times

ALBANY — New York is poised to establish one of the most expansive DNA databases in the nation, requiring people convicted of everything from fare beating to first-degree murder to provide samples of their DNA to the state.

On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and state lawmakers were putting the finishing touches on a deal to establish a so-called all-crimes DNA database, a move that is supported by all of the state’s 62 district attorneys and 58 sheriffs, as well as 400 police chiefs. New York already collects DNA from convicted felons and some people convicted of misdemeanors, but prosecutors say collecting DNA from all people convicted of misdemeanors will help them identify suspects of more violent crimes, and, in some cases, exonerate people wrongly accused.

“Every single time we’ve expanded the DNA database, we have shown how effective it is in convicting people who commit crimes, and we’ve also shown that it can be used to exonerate the innocent,” said Richard M. Aborn, the president of the Citizens Crime Commission.

Mr. Cuomo has made expansion of the DNA database a top priority for the year. His spokesman, as well as Lisa Hurst, a forensic DNA consultant with the firm Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, said New York would be the first state to require all criminals to submit DNA samples. The spokesman declined to comment on the state of negotiations, but a senior administration official said negotiators were “very close” to a deal.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/nyregion/dna-database-pensions-and-redistricting-are-part-of-talks-on-major-albany-deal.html?_r=1&hp

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All crimes? A little unnerving. Violent criminals? Okay.

[bluedigger]

1. That's scary.

I'm glad I'm getting on in years some times. I don't think the near future is going to be all that...

[Historic NY]

2. Just saying we have had several unsolved homicides near me.....

a simple screwup DWI or other misdemeanor got the offenders who were convicted. Adding all crimes well it might get expensive but so far its proven it worth.

"The DNA Databank was created in 1996. Since that time, DNA evidence has helped prosecutors solve more than 2,700 crimes and has helped exonerate 27 New Yorkers."

http://www.chemungcounty.com/index.asp?pageid=105&nid=765

[davidpdx]

3. I think all crimes is way too far

I am generally against the extraction of blood for DNA logging. Misdemeanors like fare evading (I assume this means riding a bus or train without fare) and minor crimes shouldn't be subject to this. Most people on here are against the death penalty (I've seen some people argue against it and that's their right), but we do know that people are wrongly convicted. It would be easy enough for someone who was in the system for a less serious crime such as fare evading or even a DUI (let me state in no way am I playing down the seriousness of someone doing that) early in their life and then have a violent crime happen which they are tied to and are wrongly convicted of it. People will say, "oh it's not possible". The truth is our justice system is not perfect.

[cstanleytech]

5. "I am generally against the extraction of blood for DNA logging." What extraction?

I dont recall it mentioning blood at all and in fact they should be able to get by with simple swabs from the mouth for the DNA.

[davidpdx]

19. I did assume it was blood

Because that is the law in Oregon. It is possible other states do it with a swab. Given the technology today, that would be a better less evasive way. That way puts a pretty big dent in the evasiveness argument.

[cstanleytech]

20. "That way puts a pretty big dent in the evasiveness argument." That it does.

And thats not even the only way to obtain a DNA sample, they can get them off a glass you drink off of or a fork you use so its just really not that hard to obtain such a sample.
Hopefully also the database will be useful in helping clear people who are innocent but in prison as well as making it even less likely that an innocent person will be imprisoned in the future.

[davidpdx]

21. I had heard that there was a challenge to the law in Oregon on blood withdraw

for DNA of convicted criminals on the bases of the 4th Amendment and the plaintiffs lost. My bet is they've switched over to this way as it's easier, safer and more efficient then dealing with blood. Handling blood always poses a greater risk to those that work in labs including in the prisons.

[cstanleytech]

4. Its no different imo than a fingerprint database though the tin foil hat wearers will panic.

[w4rma]

6. Not true. The DNA holds much more information than just a unique "fingerprint"

It shows exactly what allergies one has and might get. It can tell everything about someone makeup.

[cstanleytech]

8. Then you better personally wipe down every glass you use when you eat out.

Every plate, fork, spoon, knife and bowl as well also wipe down every door handle and consider wearing a hair net if your really that concerned over them knowing you have allergies.

[LanternWaste]

14. None of which really addresses nor reinforces your initial protestation, though...

None of which really addresses nor reinforces your initial protestation, though...

Minimizing or trivializing the position of another is not really considered a valid and logical counter to that position-- unless of course, one is seven years of age and in grade school.

[cstanleytech]

18. I'm not the one protesting the database. "I" just dont think its a big deal but hey

if you all want to then slap something on it saying they cant look up if you have an allergy to ragweed if it will help you sleep better at night.

[Snake Alchemist]

11. Not yet. No one can yet read all your allergies from a blood sample.

May be coming, but the technology is not yet here.

[Earth_First]

7. So if I had been charged in my Occupy case against the City of Rochester, misdemeanor trespassing...

for peacefully protesting in a non-violent manner, I could be required to submit to a DNA sampling...

Lovely...

[truebrit71]

9. Land of the free*

*actual freedom may vary

[Snake Alchemist]

12. And fingerprinted. nt

[Occulus]

17. Which is nowhere near as complete a profile as a DNA test

[Historic NY]

13. Was it a misdemeamor or a city code violation??

"The Governor’s proposal would require DNA samples to be collected from anyone convicted of all remaining Penal Law misdemeanors and any felony under other state laws, such as felony driving while intoxicated under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, aggravated animal cruelty under the Agriculture and Markets Law, and prescription drug offenses under the Public Health Law."

[woo me with science]

15. I don't recognize this country anymore. nt

[Arctic Dave]

10. Fascism is never abrupt, it is like night falling.

Welcome to the "new" America.

I'm glad we won the cold war against those authoritarian governments.

[saras]

16. If they were as aggressive about using DNA to release the innocent, I'd have more respect for them..