Taking DNA samples helps fight crime

DNA evidence continues to play an increasingly important role in criminal cases. Thanks to databanks of DNA samples taken from individuals convicted of homicides, certain sex crimes and other violent offenses, prosecutors believe they are able to convict more offenders and even prevent repeat offenses, particularly in serial rape cases.

There was an effort in the Missouri Legislature this year to extend the DNA requirement to all convicted felons, but the bill didn't pass because of cost concerns. The Kansas Legislature adopted similar legislation last year.

Now the prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, which includes the bulk of Kansas City, has set a policy requiring DNA samples, effective next month, from anyone who pleads guilty to a felony. Civil libertarians question the policy but agree that legal challenges would probably be unsuccessful.

Requiring DNA samples makes sense. Anyone with a sample on file is less likely to commit future crimes. And anyone who is charged with a crime will have the DNA database to support their claims of innocence.

The district attorney in Wyandotte County, Kan., another county in the metropolitan Kansas City area, says there may be fewer guilty pleas as a result of the DNA requirement, particularly from defendants who are responsible for other crimes in which no charges have yet been filed.

Even with this concern, the idea of using a DNA database for solving and preventing crimes is a good one.