Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The State Senate has passed a bill requiring people convicted of misdemeanors to give a sample of their DNA so it can be entered into a statewide databank. Governor Cuomo is proposing something similar in his current budget plan.
To be required to give a DNA sample you’d have to be convicted of a crime, not just arrested. The proposal adds 180 new misdemeanors to the list, which would include all misdemeanors except traffic violations and juvenile convictions.
At a meeting in Auburn Tuesday, state representatives said it's important to include low-level offenders on the list because “criminals do not specialize.”
In New York State’s existing database, DNA samples from individuals convicted of second degree criminal trespass have been linked to 30 homicides, 110 sexual assaults and 121 burglaries, which is why Auburn and Cayuga officials say they're definitely on board with the proposal.
Law Enforcement officials say it's amazing how DNA can help in crime cases across the state.
“The use of DNA over the last few years has been unbelievable at solving crimes,” said Cayuga County Sheriff, David Gould.
Since 1996, the database has helped solve 2,700 New York crimes.
“It would allow us to clear or exclude suspects sooner to avoid wrongful convictions and exonerate anyone who has been wrongfully convicted,” explained Cayuga County District Attorney, Jon Budelmann.
The current database has helped exonerate 27 New Yorkers and the Cayuga County District Attorney says DNA has become a major player in the courtroom.
“It's a very satisfying, very confident form of proof. Juries love to have DNA because of the scientific ability of it to exclude or include a person as a match,” Budelmann continued.
DNA samples are sent to Albany. State representatives say the increased workload would not create a backlog. There's a plan in place for more personnel at the crime lab in the budget proposal. The goal is to have the new law take effect by October 1.
