DNA Criminal Data Banks

Paper Summary:

This paper considers the arguments in favor of DNA criminal data banks and those opposed to them and then outlines suggested alternative policies for data banks. The paper concludes by noting that, while the DNA data banks may prove to be an invaluable resource to law officials, care must be taken not to violate the individual's right to privacy.

From the Paper:

"DNA banking of criminal information is a source of controversy among many human rights activists. According to statistics, Criminal DNA databanks offer an effective means of controlling crime. Genetic information on criminals is being collected and stored in many states as a means of identifying current and future criminals. Statistics support the notion that collecting DNA information on criminals helps reduce crime. Case in point, the Division of Forensic Science has managed an average of 37 "hits" per month, where hits refer to a situation where DNA analysis of a crime scene has resulted in suspect matches from previously convicted offenders and subsequent arrest (DCJS, 2004). In Virginia the DNA databank database contains more than 200,000 of criminals (DCJS, 2004)."

More papers on DNA Criminal Data Banks:

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• Term Paper # 125505 : "DNA in Criminal Justice"

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