Pros and cons of a national DNA database
Answers
1. It can provide another layer of evidence.
2. There can be crime reduction rates.
3. People maintain control of their DNA.
Cons:
1. Information can be stored infinitely.
2. Information can be hacked.
3. The data could be used against the individuals it represents.
Answer:
List of Pros for DNA Databases
1. It can provide another layer of evidence.
When a crime is committed without the presence of eyewitnesses, a person’s DNA can serve as evidence of their presence at the scene. A DNA database allows investigators to match collected samples against previous records to determine if matches are present. Should a match occur, the evidence against a suspect becomes much stronger. The presence of a DNA database helps to deter crime because of the high levels of certainty that an accurate match is able to provide.
2. There can be crime reduction rates.
DNA databases can help to reduce crime in communities that see criminal behaviors from repeat offenders. That makes it possible for law enforcement officials to take serial offenders off the streets with greater speed, while also deterring some individuals who might think about offending from doing so. In a report published by Forbes and Quora, Jennifer Doleac, Assistant Professors of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Virginia, reports that DNA profiling makes violent offenders 17% less likely to reoffend.
3. People maintain control of their DNA.
The presence of a DNA database does not create a mandatory sample be given and stored for future reference. Unless a warrant is issued for DNA collection because of an investigation, all DNA samples are given voluntarily. Most people will not have their DNA stored in a database unless they want it there for some reason, such as trying to find out their heritage or genealogy.
Explanation:
List of Cons for DNA Databases
1. Information can be stored infinitely.
Once DNA information is collected, the database can store that information for an infinite period of time. If the database is public and national, that information could be potentially exposed to individuals who want to use it for criminal intent. DNA profiles could be stored, then accessed by law enforcement officials, making it possible to assume guilt simply because their profile is within the system.
2. Information can be hacked.
A DNA database does not need to be public to be vulnerable to the theft of the data it contains. Hackers have already proven multiple times how versatile they are at accessing data when they want it. The Experian data breach exposed the personal information of more than 123 million people. Retail data breaches have exposed personal details of 50-70 million people in some instances.
3. The data could be used against the individuals it represents.
Imagine this: a hacker gets into a DNA database. They realize that their neighbor up the street has a profile within the system. They go up to the neighbor’s house, rummage through the trash, and obtain a few items that likely contain DNA samples. Then they commit a crime and leave the evidence they collected at the scene. Many people believe DNA evidence is beyond question, which would make it difficult for this innocent neighbor to defend themselves. That’s a potential reality when DNA databases are accessible.