Proposition 69, the DNA Fingerprint Initiative, would
immediately require all convicted felons to provide a non-invasive
DNA sample for inclusion in a statewide database. Beginning in
2009, individuals arrested for felonies ““ not misdemeanor
crimes like shoplifting under $400 or traffic violations ““
would also have to provide a DNA sample, but could have their
sample removed if they are not convicted.
Proposition 69 seeks to add ““ in addition to the
fingerprints, mug shots and booking information that all people
arrested for and convicted of felony offenses must provide ““
a one-time, non-invasive DNA sample to be used solely as an
extremely accurate forensic identifier.
This simple mouth swab will provide a forensic DNA profile that
will allow investigators to quickly confirm ““ or exclude
““ a person as the contributor of biological evidence at a
crime scene.
It is critical to note that forensic DNA profiles do not contain
any sensitive or confidential information. In fact, scientists
often refer to these profiles as “junk DNA,” since it
is impossible to uncover any information about a person’s
genetic makeup, ancestry or susceptibility to disease from a
forensic DNA profile.
Very strict use and confidentiality requirements built into
Proposition 69 ensure that DNA samples collected for criminal
identification or exclusion purposes cannot be shared with
unauthorized entities or used for unauthorized purposes. There are
strict privacy protections built into this initiative, including
felony criminal liability for government employees, to guarantee
that the use and disclosure of forensic DNA information is tightly
controlled.
California’s current DNA technology lags behind 34 other
states that have all-felon DNA databases. Virginia, a state with a
population smaller than Los Angeles County, uses an all-felon
database which includes felony arrestees, and solves more crimes
with DNA than California. More than 80 percent of Virginia’s
cold hits from the state’s DNA database would’ve been
missed if the database was limited only to violent offenders,
according to California District Attorney Association President
Dave Paulson. The early identification of repeat offenders is a
proven result with a comprehensive all-felon DNA database.
Proposition 69 is funded by a small increase in criminal
penalties, and the cost-savings this measure brings to society
cannot be underestimated. Rape and other sexual assaults are the
costliest crimes in America, with costs totaling $127 billion.
A 1996 study conducted by the National Institute of Justice
estimated the average cost of rape per victim is $87,000, and the
average rapist commits eight rapes. This means if the DNA databank
catches a rapist after the first offense, then society could save
as much as $609,000 ““ and it could spare seven would-be
victims.
Proposition 69 is endorsed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Attorney General Bill Lockyer, sheriffs, police and victims.
Proposition 69 gives California law enforcement a more powerful and
closely guarded tool to solve unsolved crimes, gives closure to
victims and families, focuses criminal investigations on the proper
suspects and prevents the horror of victimization at the hands of
repeat offenders.
For a safer California, vote yes on Proposition 69.
Harrington is a sponsor of Proposition 69. In 1980 his
brother Keith and his sister-in-law Patti were killed by an unknown
individual who authorities believe is the original “Night
stalker”. Today, investigators have tied DNA from the
Harrington crime scene to dozens of unsolved sexual assaults and
murders throughout California. Harrington said he thinks with a
comprehensive DNA database it is likely that the Harrington killer
could be identified and apprehended.