The federal government, as well as several state governments, collects DNA samples from all individuals arrested –
but not necessarily convicted – for serious crimes. Should this be allowed? Why or why not? What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: Answers will vary.
Background:In
1998, the FBI began cataloging DNA profiles in a database now called the National DNA Index
System (NDIS), which collects profiles submitted by state and local criminal justice agencies. The
database now contains over 10,000,000 offender profiles and over 1,500,000 arrestee profiles and has
been used in more than 200,000 investigations. As they accumulate more and more profiles, DNA
databases are becoming important tools in solving crimes. In Virginia, which has one of the oldest and largest DNA databases in the United States, more than 3,600 crimes without suspects were solved over
a 6-year period by matching DNA profiles from the crime scene with profiles already in the state
database.
At least 28 states and the U.S. government now collect DNA samples from anyone arrested for serious
crimes such as murder, rape, assault, and burglary. In 2013, a 5–4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court
upheld this practice, although it remains controversial because of privacy issues.
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