NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, SportsNY law enforcers push for expanded DNA database

NY law enforcers push for expanded DNA database

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Representatives from nearly every law enforcement agency in western New York are presenting a united front in support of expanding the state's DNA databank to include samples from everyone convicted of any crime.

The state currently limits DNA testing to certain felony and misdemeanor convictions, meaning about 48 percent of criminals give samples. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing to expand that to cover all remaining criminal misdemeanors and felonies.

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita and police chiefs and representatives from more than a dozen law enforcement agencies were in Buffalo Wednesday to back the expansion as a way to increase convictions and avoid wrongful prosecutions. It's also seen as a deterrent.

The expansion could be passed as part of the state budget or in separate legislation.

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