DNA database poses a threat

Our federal government will widen its policy of collecting DNA samples from people convicted of federal crimes to collect them from all people arrested in connection with a federal crime. This practice is expected to add genetic identifiers from about 1 million people a year to the growing federal law enforcement DNA database, which now has about 5.9 million people in it.

Thirteen states already collect or are planning to collect DNA samples from everybody arrested, including people never prosecuted, for whom charges are later dropped, and those acquitted. These states routinely forward the data to the national database.

Advocates of the database assure us its only impact will be to make it easier to catch criminals or prevent crime. It's already routine to take fingerprints from anyone arrested and the practice doesn't lead to gross violations of privacy, say some. What's the big deal about taking DNA, a more precise and reliable identifier?

It is true that DNA is more precise than other forms of identification, and it is also true that DNA technology has been used to prove the innocence of some people. But it's not difficult to imagine potential problems. Since the regulations governing this program have not been published yet, there's time to consider some safeguards.

It would certainly be a problem, of course, if those who have been arrested but did not commit a crime are lumped in with convicted felons and could become targets in investigations of future crimes. The preliminary federal rules call for eliminating people never convicted, but only if they petition for expungement. It would be better if expungement were automatic.

Jim Harper, director of information policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, pointed out that information stored digitally is different from fingerprints on paper. Digital information can be more easily copied and accessed, which could create the temptation for future abuse.

Like any scientific advance, DNA technology can be used well or poorly. Careful consideration now can preserve its value for fighting crime while minimizing the potential for violating privacy.