NCJ Number
152719
Date Published
1994
Length
103 pages
Annotation
The Ohio DNA Advisory Council recommends establishing a State-level DNA testing laboratory at the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, developing a DNA database by collecting samples from felons convicted of specific violent crimes, and making such information and resources available to law enforcement agencies throughout the State.
Abstract
The Council has found that DNA testing is superior to other types of evidence testing, such as blood typing, in identifying or excluding particular suspects. The Council has also determined that Ohio courts are favorably disposed to DNA evidence. The Council's report contains 19 specific recommendations that cover DNA collection and testing procedures, privacy and access issues, scientific criteria, and funding issues. Recommendations are based on the Council's determination that DNA analysis, when conducted under accepted medical and research conditions, is a useful tool for law enforcement in fighting violent crime. Police officers can analyze DNA samples collected at the crime scene to link the specimen to a suspect or to eliminate certain suspects. DNA analysis and comparison also give prosecutors valuable evidence to present at trial. With regard to the creation of a DNA database, the Council recommends that everyone convicted of violent or egregious crimes be required to submit a sample for DNA analysis. In addition, the Council has drafted model legislation for the Ohio General Assembly to consider. The legislation would establish a central DNA laboratory, create a statewide DNA database, provide for blood samples to be taken from individuals convicted of specific crimes, and prohibit access to the database by anyone other than law enforcement agencies and defendants for criminal defense purposes. Attachments provide further information on the use of DNA analysis as an investigative technique in Ohio and other States. References, illustrations, and graphs