DNA samples should be collected when suspects in violent felonies are arrested, rather than waiting for a conviction, according to new legislation proposed by a state lawmaker.
Because violent crime is often committed by repeat offenders, state Sen. Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx) believes that expanding the DNA databank “can effectively solve more crimes and actually stop crimes before they occur.”
Klein said a recent state Department of Criminal Justice Services survey found that criminals, on average, had about a dozen prior arrests and five convictions before their genetic material was gathered.
“We should be ahead of the curve, not behind it,” said Klein, pointing out that 21 other states have already adopted versions of “DNA Upon Arrest” laws.
John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted,” will join Klein today outside Police Headquarters in lower Manhattan to announce the proposal.
They will be joined by Kate Hogan, president of the state’s District Attorney Association, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, state Sen. Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) and leaders from victim advocate groups.
The state began collecting DNA in 2004, but only from a select number of convicts responsible for certain violent felonies. Two years later, the program was expanded to include criminals convicted of any felony and any of 18 misdemeanor categories.
“Today, taking DNA is not any more instructive than fingerprinting, and the evidence is used to exonerate the innocent as well as convict the guilty,” Klein said, adding that provisions will make it easy for acquitted suspects to have their DNA removed.