DNA Public Policy

THE COLLECTION & USE OF

DNA IN COLD CRIMINAL

CASES

By: Deana Reinhardt

Proposal (Stage I):

Allow deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

collection to be part of every arrest

process.

 DNA is currently part of the felony arrest process

 Collection would be expanded to include in

misdemeanor arrests

 Allowing DNA collection at the time of any arrest will

provide additional information into local, state and

national data bases

 Providing law enforcement the tools they need will

ultimately enhance the states' ability to fight crime

 DNA collection from current felony arrests are being

linked to cold cases

 There is a need to solve cold cases- no statute of limitations on

homicide, arson or larceny theft (with a few exceptions)

 Resources are not always readily available for cold case

investigations-staff, finances, case files

 What cold cases should be prioritized

 What evidence can be submitted during the investigation of cold cases-are witnesses still alive, was evidence collected and are records in tact

 Not all states have a Cold Case Unit

 Protocols need to be established for the Cold Case Unit

Identified Problems with DNA and Cold Cases

Developing the Policy (Stage II)

 The perspective of involved, affected, and knowledgeable groups is crucial for this policy to be successful

 This proposal is supported by law enforcement organizations across the state, such as State Sheriffs Association, District Attorneys

Association of the State, State Association of Chiefs of Police, the

State Troopers PBA, Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims, Joyful

Heart Foundation, the Safe Horizon victim assistance organization

and many other law enforcement groups

 Different policy options, their benefits, costs and affects on stakeholders will be shared throughout the development, education,

implementation and follow-up of the policy

Developing the Policy (continued)

 Policies will reflect...