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Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society
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Is the American Public Ready to Embrace DNA as a Crime-Fighting Tool? A Survey Assessing Support for DNA Databases

Lauren Dundes

Western Maryland College

States began passing legislation mandating the collection of genetic material from certain convicted offenders in 1988. By 1998, all 50 states had passed laws allowing DNA databases for convicted sexual offenders, and some states collected DNA from all those convicted of a felony. A survey of 416 persons in Maryland revealed wide support for the inclusion of convicted violent offenders (89%) in DNA databases, in sync with most states’ policies. Between two thirds and three quarters of respondents also supported expanding DNA databases to include those suspected of a violent offense, any convicted felon, as well as all convicted offenders, minor and major. Support for collecting the DNA of those suspected of any crime and for all newborns was considerably less (44% to 45%). Although a comprehensive database is most effective for solving and deterring crimes, vigorously enforced protections against abuse of this technology must be in place.

Key Words: DNA databases • privacy • crime • college student survey

Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, Vol. 21, No. 5, 369-375 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/027046760102100506
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C. Curtis
Public Perceptions and Expectations of the Forensic Use of DNA: Results of a Preliminary Study
Bulletin of Science Technology Society, August 1, 2009; 29(4): 313 - 324.
[Abstract] [PDF]