CODIS, the national DNA database, has almost 385,000 forensic DNA profiles from crime scene evidence.  Many of these crimes could be solved if all 50 states and Canada collected DNA on all felony arrests.  In fact estimates are 60% could be solved.  For each of these unsolved crimes there are victims, families, friends and communities desperately needing answers.  For each of these unsolved crimes there is a criminal getting away with murder, rape, or some other heinous crime.  This criminal, more than likely, is out in our communities able to harm others, committing more crimes. In some cases they are in prison but their DNA has not yet been collected. Some states wait until the offender is about to be released before collecting and submitting the DNA profile to CODIS.  

All 385,000 profiles are awaiting a match to a known offender.  In many states a DNA sample is collected on felony arrest, at the same time finger prints and mug shots are taken.  Alaska is one of those states.  In fact, Alaska processes the DNA profile and submits it to CODIS within 30 days of arrest.  

 Unfortunately, 24 states still have not passed legislation to protect their residents.  They don't collect DNA until after conviction.  That could take years.  Due to the overload of cases in many of the states judicial systems many of the criminals committing crimes are arrested, on average, 21 times prior to actually being convicted of a crime.  Our judicial system often has a revolving door.  One study shows that 40 % of people arrested for burglary have already committed a murder, rape or other heinous crime.  Burglary is often the way they support their lifestyle.  Studies show that matches between evidence and offender DNA profiles increase to 60% match rate when DNA is taken on arrest (See www.DNAResource.com ).

Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington State and Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Canada still haven’t passed legislation expanding DNA collection to felony arrests.  In many states law enforcement aren’t collecting and submitting DNA evidence from the crime scenes.  They are choosing not to use an incredible resource and technology that is available to them.  These states will become safe havens for the predators in our society.  More cases will grow cold.  It is more likely that an innocent person could end up behind bars.  It, ultimately, will cost more money.  Investigation time, prosecution time and court time could be reduced.  

Take a look at how your state is doing.  Go to www.DNA.gov  Check out the statistics for each state.  Some states really aren't utilizing CODIS effectively.  Canada has 67,634 unsolved crimes with DNA evidence. ( Go to http://www.nddb-bndg.org/images/stats_e.pdf )  If your state isn't collecting DNA on arrest let your lawmakers know how It is critical that collection take place at time of arrest.  It saves lives and a lot of pain.   It protects the innocent and keeps the innocent out of jail.  It will help balance the scales of justice.