DNA is one of the most extraordinary tools we have to solve and prevent crime, exonerate the innocent, and bring justice to crime victims. I am pleased that Governor Cuomo has made post-conviction DNA collection for all crimes one of his legislative priorities this year. Since the state’s DNA Databank was created, this accurate and cost-effective technology has solved thousands of rapes, murders, robberies, and burglaries, and prevented countless more. 

Our current law only permits us to collect DNA from half of all convicted offenders. It’s as if doctors were only permitted to use a life-saving medicine in half of their cases. It would not make sense in medicine, and it does not make sense in law enforcement.  

The All-Crimes DNA bill is common-sense law that will allow us to fully harness the power of DNA technology to exonerate the innocent, take dangerous criminals off our streets, keep our communities safe, and bring peace and justice to thousands of victims. I urge the Legislature to pass this critically important bill.

DNA Databank Statistics

(last updated 1/9/2012)

Source: DCJS