dna databases

Arizona is planning on having a DNA database in place by 2004 to store genetic information for all people convicted of a felony. Genetic testing and evidence had been used in Arizona in the past mostly for violent felonies such as murder, robberies and rape. It's use will be extended to all felonies in the future. The idea is that people who commit serious offenses and only leave DNA evidence behind might be caught if they commit less serious offenses, and there is a matchup of the DNA.

Virginia has been following this practice since 1999, and last year they identified 300 suspects in cases because the DNA evidence collected matched DNA information in their database. This sounds like a practice that may spread to many other states within the next few years.