DNA Database Expansion Begins In New York
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The expansion of collection for New York State's DNA database went into effect on Wednesday.
WCBS 880's Jim Smith On The Story
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Anyone convicted of a felony or penal misdemeanor will have a DNA sample collected -- a massive expansion of the current database.
"It will approximately double it," State Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Elizabeth Glazer told WCBS 880 reporter Jim Smith.
Glazer said with an additional 30,000 samples every year, it will help put the odds in favor of the crime fighters.
"We expect to increase the number of crimes that we can solve," she said.
She said currently 40,000 crime scene samples remain unmatched.
Besides catching criminals, Glazer said the expanded database will also help exonerate the innocent.
"This new law will enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the state's criminal justice system by using this powerful technology to its fullest potential," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "This expansion will help solve and prevent crimes, bring justice to victims and prove innocence for the wrongfully convicted – and above all make our neighborhoods safer for New Yorkers."
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