Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
CSI New York: NY State Giant Criminal DNA Database Is Happening
By
Garth Johnston
Published Mar 15, 2012
Modified Mar 15, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Mar 15, 2012
Modified Mar 15, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Something to think about the next time you mull committing a crime: Albany lawmakers have agreed to Governor's Cuomo plan to create the most expansive DNA database in the country. As in everyone convicted of a crime will have to submit their DNA to the state. Well, there is one exception looking likely: Those found with small amounts of marijuana should be allowed to skip the swab.
The move comes with the support of all of the state’s 62 district attorneys and 58 sheriffs, as well as 400 police chiefs. Also, Mayor Bloomberg loves it! "Six years ago I helped lead the charge for a new State law that expanded DNA collection - and we strongly supported the Governor's efforts to expand the law further. Thanks to the hard work of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Speaker Shelly Silver, Senator Steve Saland, Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Joe Lentol, New York will now have one of the strongest DNA laws in the country - and we will be safer for it."
It is worth noting we already collect DNA from convicted felons and some people convicted of misdemeanors. This step just takes it to the next level. But as one would expect of something that is arguably an invasion of genetic privacy, it has its critics. The NYCLU, for instance: "It is well documented that human error, and worse, routinely enters into the use of forensic DNA, and yet New York has not taken the steps necessary to provide adequate oversight and accountability over its DNA databank," Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the civil liberties group, said in a statement.
And while the idea of a government DNA database is definitely disturbing, it does have things going for it. Just ask the man arrested last summer for a 13-year-old rape case who was caught using DNA from a cigarette butt.
The database isn't signed into law yet, but it should be soon. Next up? Creating Minority Report-style pre-cogs to stop crimes before they happen. Then we won't even need a DNA database.
Tagged
Albany
andrew cuomo
csi
dna
dna database
new york state
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Ex-Adams aide accused of pocketing kickbacks from community program funds
Federal prosecutors say Anthony Herbert took more than $100,000 in undisclosed payments from a nonprofit that received funding for community programs, including at NYCHA complexes.
By
Samantha Max
Published Oct 22, 2026 at 1:32 p.m. ET
MTA to begin 6-year project to upgrade signal tech on A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens
The $1.9 billion project isn't expected to wrap up until 2032.
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
News
MTA to begin 6-year project to upgrade signal tech on A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens
The $1.9 billion project isn't expected to wrap up until 2032.
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Former NYPD detective held on $1M bail after police say he shot driver on GWB
By
Brittany Kriegstein
MTA suspending bus fare enforcement teams after altercations emerge
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
NYC's horse carriage industry facing potential extinction with Thursday Council vote
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .