Duffy touts DNA databank in Watertown visit

The state could prevent crimes and help exonerate innocent people if the Assembly passes a bill that would require more convicted criminals to supply DNA samples, Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy said Friday in a visit to Watertown.

Because every person has different DNA, authorities can match blood or tissue samples left at crime scenes with the cheek swab of someone convicted of a felony or a penal misdemeanor. And if more convicted criminals have to give DNA samples for a database, authorities can match evidence at a future crime scene with a repeating perpetrator.

“Criminals have no trouble keeping up with technology,” Mr. Duffy said, so law enforcement authorities should follow suit.

New crimes that would require a DNA sample would include felony driving while intoxicated and aggravated animal cruelty.

The expansion, which would cost the state $700,000 in its first year and $1.4 million in years after, will help police solve and stop crimes, said Mr. Duffy, a former Rochester police chief.

“During my law enforcement career, I saw case after case where DNA evidence made a difference — excluding individuals from suspicion, identifying those responsible for crimes and giving victims closure and a measure of justice,” Mr. Duffy said. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want to preclude such a powerful tool from being used to its fullest potential.”

The state police have the capacity in their crime labs to accommodate a new influx of samples, he said.

And civil liberties concerns about intrusion into privacy are unfounded, he said. The DNA samples would be taken only after conviction.

“I think the ultimate intrusion is when someone is the victim of a crime,” he said.

The bill has passed the state Senate, with Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, voting in favor of it.

It is currently awaiting action in the Assembly. The north country’s Assembly delegation attended the event — Mr. Duffy twice told them, “No pressure.” The bill is also included in Mr. Cuomo’s budget, so if it passes as is, it will become law.

Assemblyman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, R-Black River, said the bill was a “no-brainer.”

“It should get to the floor without anything attached,” Mr. Blankenbush said.

He said he has heard rumors that the Assembly Democrats will pass the legislation in tandem with a law requiring videotaped confessions.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she was reviewing the legislation.