Technology
| More

CSI, Stand Aside: DNA Databases Raise Alarms

BY: | June 2007



State legislators are taking a new interest in DNA databases and in whether the evidence stored in them skirts rules about privacy and security.

The focus of attention is on local databases. These are systems operated outside of the national DNA database network, known as CODIS. CODIS--the Combined DNA Index System--is run by the FBI but links genetic samples stored in state databases. The rules on whose material can or cannot be part of the CODIS system are clear: The FBI cannot store samples from suspects who have been acquitted or those who voluntarily supply a DNA sample to prove their innocence.

This is not true of the local databases, which collect and store samples from a wider variety of sources, such as crime victims and suspects. While there are no laws preventing local databases from collecting or storing this data, the amassing of such material has been raising concerns that the databases infringe on the rights of innocent citizens and that their unregulated laboratory procedures could lead to misuse of the genetic samples.

At least five states--California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri and New York--have local databases. New York is home to at least eight of them, and that has gotten the attention of New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentos. He is sponsoring legislation to restrict their operation.

Lentos wants to ensure that state law stays ahead of rapidly changing technology and science. "DNA is a whole different world," he says. "We want to make sure that it's handled carefully."


If you enjoyed this post, subscribe for updates.

GOVERNING Logo
Will Wilson

Will Wilson is a former GOVERNING correspondent.

E-mail: willbwilson@gmail.com
Twitter: @governing

Comments



Add Your Comment

You are solely responsible for the content of your comments. GOVERNING reserves the right to remove comments that are considered profane, vulgar, obscene, factually inaccurate, off-topic, or considered a personal attack.

Comments must be fewer than 2000 characters.

Latest from Technology

  • States in a Race to Secure Drone Testing
  • Groups in 37 states are vying to become one of six federally designated sites for testing the remotely piloted crafts for use in the nation's airspace. They see a chance to generate jobs.
  • Job Skills Gap a Growing Concern in Cities
  • Cities coming out of the recession are facing new challenges with matching their workforce to available jobs, a problem that could be an early indicator of a growing national problem.
  • Sequestration Cuts into Scientific Research
  • Federal agencies pour billions each year into university research. With less federal money to spend, some Ph.D. programs are delaying admissions decisions, while others have already cut positions amid the uncertainty.

More From Technology

Featured on Governing.com





Events & Webinars

  • It’s A Paperless, Paperless World..... Thinking Outside the Box to Gain Efficiencies through Prepaid Cards
  • April 23, 2013
  • Public sector organizations are under intense scrutiny to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible and with maximum transparency. An important consideration is the way in which payments are made and managed. Prepaid cards can offer flexibility, security and accountability to governments as a method of dispersing benefits, healthcare and social care payments, child benefits and housing benefits to their constituents.


More Events & Webinars


© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved.    |   Privacy Policy   |   Site Map