Examining DNA Databases

Advancements in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing have provided extensive benefits to the community by aiding criminal investigations as well as exonerating the wrongfully convicted. A common practice is the storage of DNA profiles for future searches. The ultimate goal of DNA databases is to solve crimes and ultimately save lives. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) created by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the leading DNA database system in the world. CODIS aids law enforcement investigations by connecting stored reference profiles with evidence samples. While there are profound benefits of forensic DNA databases, serious concerns arise regarding individual privacy rights. The collection of DNA samples from convicted offenders, arrestees, or other samples must be examined to ensure proper practices are in place that do not violate a person’s individual right to privacy. Additionally, once data is stored in the database the mechanisms used to search the information must be properly designed and regulated to ensure personal rights are not violated in an effort to increase the number of cases solved. Improved oversight and protocols that are strictly enforced can ensure the proportionality of protecting individual rights is properly balanced with the obligation to protect the common good.