Basic+Facts+About+DNA+(2)

DNA Testing Access 2011-2

__Basic facts about DNA in the US:__

 * 1) DNA is a type of biological information that can be used to identify criminal offenders.
 * 2) The United States has the world’s largest data-bank of DNA samples of criminals and criminal suspects, with 5.6 million DNA profiles.
 * 3) Most of these samples are from convicted felons, but a growing number are from parolees, probationers, and even people under arrest.
 * 4) Dozens of state bills introduced each year would expand the categories of people required to provide DNA samples for law enforcement.
 * 5) Compelling people to give DNA samples raises concerns about informed consent and privacy.
 * 6) An emerging issue is the practice of “backdoor” collection, in which law enforcement officials obtain DNA from items such as cigarette butts and coffee cups that have been discarded by criminal suspects.
 * 7) Another emerging issue is whether the potential use of DNA to reveal a genetic tendency to criminal behavior, such as violence, should be admissible in court.