It is more sophisticated than a fingerprint in making identifications. DNA culled from blood or other body fluids can be used to match suspects to evidence at crime scenes. The federal DNA Identification Act of 1994 limits the database to DNA from convicted criminals. Access will be restricted to law enforcement, and a court order will be required to use the information in judicial proceedings. For security, the location of the database will be secret.
Every state collects DNA of sex offenders.
States vary on whether they collect the DNA of other criminals, including murderers, robbers and those who commit crimes against children. White-collar criminals are excluded. States will be able to use the national list to compare DNA from future crime scenes or from unsolved crimes to uncover a suspect who has gone undetected.