Cuomo signs DNA databank expansion into law
ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Monday legislation expanding the state’s DNA databank, making New York the first state nationwide with an “all crimes” DNA databank, according to the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office.
Prior to the new legislation, only those found guilty of a felony crime or a select 36 misdemeanors – representing approximately half the misdemeanor crimes in New York State – were required to submit a DNA sample. Under the new law, all those convicted of a felony and nearly all misdemeanors under New York Penal Law will be required to do so. Results will be stored in the state’s databank, allowing authorities to compare DNA samples to old cases.
Said Cuomo, “Today, we fulfilled the promise of public service.”
According to District Attorney Joseph McBride – one of 17 state prosecutors invited to Albany for the signing – approximately 3,000 people have been convicted since the databank was created in 1996. In addition, a total of 27 innocent people have been exonerated thanks to DNA technology.
“This has the potential to solve hundreds of cold cases, provide closure to victims of crimes and prevent dangerous criminals from committing future crimes,” added the district attorney.
On Feb. 1, city, county and state law enforcement met with members of the New York State Office of Victim Services in support of the legislation, which Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. said would “allow [law enforcement] to fully use DNA technology and science to take violent felons off our streets” and “keep our communities safe.”
According to the Office of Victim Services, there are nearly 40,000 unresolved crimes statewide. A previous DNA expansion, one that made a number of low-level, misdemeanor crimes such as petit larceny DNA-eligible, proved useful. Since that expansion, DNA gathered from those convicted of petit larceny have been linked to more than 960 crimes in New York State, including 51 murders, 222 sexual assaults, 117 robberies and approximately 400 burglaries. Typically, those linked to crimes through the DNA databank had three or more prior convictions for non-DNA eligible crimes prior to their conviction of an offense that did require a sample, according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
In addition, said McBride, the new law expands defendants’ access to the same DNA database for testing and comparison when they claim innocence.
“Ultimately, what serves justice is the truth and with DNA technology, that’s exactly what we will receive,” he added.
The new law is expected to be in place by Oct. 1, 2012.
Prior to the new legislation, only those found guilty of a felony crime or a select 36 misdemeanors – representing approximately half the misdemeanor crimes in New York State – were required to submit a DNA sample. Under the new law, all those convicted of a felony and nearly all misdemeanors under New York Penal Law will be required to do so. Results will be stored in the state’s databank, allowing authorities to compare DNA samples to old cases.
Said Cuomo, “Today, we fulfilled the promise of public service.”
According to District Attorney Joseph McBride – one of 17 state prosecutors invited to Albany for the signing – approximately 3,000 people have been convicted since the databank was created in 1996. In addition, a total of 27 innocent people have been exonerated thanks to DNA technology.
“This has the potential to solve hundreds of cold cases, provide closure to victims of crimes and prevent dangerous criminals from committing future crimes,” added the district attorney.
On Feb. 1, city, county and state law enforcement met with members of the New York State Office of Victim Services in support of the legislation, which Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. said would “allow [law enforcement] to fully use DNA technology and science to take violent felons off our streets” and “keep our communities safe.”
According to the Office of Victim Services, there are nearly 40,000 unresolved crimes statewide. A previous DNA expansion, one that made a number of low-level, misdemeanor crimes such as petit larceny DNA-eligible, proved useful. Since that expansion, DNA gathered from those convicted of petit larceny have been linked to more than 960 crimes in New York State, including 51 murders, 222 sexual assaults, 117 robberies and approximately 400 burglaries. Typically, those linked to crimes through the DNA databank had three or more prior convictions for non-DNA eligible crimes prior to their conviction of an offense that did require a sample, according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
In addition, said McBride, the new law expands defendants’ access to the same DNA database for testing and comparison when they claim innocence.
“Ultimately, what serves justice is the truth and with DNA technology, that’s exactly what we will receive,” he added.
The new law is expected to be in place by Oct. 1, 2012.
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