The bill would direct the Bureau of Prisons, the District of Columbia and the Defense Department to collect DNA samples from individuals convicted of crimes. The Crime Subcommittee is considering the bill. As valuable as this system is, it is not being utilized effectively. We have the technology to revolutionize law enforcement and forensic science. An FBI official agreed with the assessment.
Funding is a key factor in the backlog.
DNA samples waiting on the shelf to be analyzed offer no assistance in criminal investigations, he noted. Lawmakers said the national database is only as good as the information law enforcement officials enter. The three bills would help states reduce the backlogs by providing funding for program development and assistance.