Overview

Every state requires that convicted sex offenders submit a DNA specimen for inclusion in the state database. Increasingly, states are enacting legislation to require expanded populations of offenders to submit DNA specimens. Some require all convicted felons to submit a specimen, while others require collection of a specimen at arrest. Although passing legislation is the obvious first step to expanding a state's database, the success of the legislation will hinge on the ability of the criminal justice system to implement its requirements. It is critically important that prior to expanding the database, states undertake a comprehensive review of collection procedures to determine the effectiveness of current laws. The following discussion contains detailed recommendations to determine if, and to what extent, a state database may have gaps.

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