Each Thursday, we put one of our local newsmakers On The Spot.

This week: State Sen. Michael Nozzolio

This week's question: The state Senate recently passed legislation to expand the state's DNA databank to include some people convicted of misdemeanors. Would this expansion go too far, or is it a needed tool for law enforcement?

DNA evidence is considered the most effective technique for identifying the perpetrator of a crime.

New York state currently enters DNA samples from those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as murder and rape, into a DNA database. These samples contain that person's unique genetic code and are taken from their bodily fluids or tissues. Law enforcement officials can then use the DNA database to match DNA evidence found at unsolved crime scenes with convicted felons who are already in the database.

This year, I sponsored legislation that was passed in the state Senate that would increase the number of DNA samples taken by requiring those convicted of other crimes, such as burglary and assault, to submit to a DNA sample.

My legislation would strengthen the current state law and undoubtedly provide the public with a higher level of protection. It would result in more criminals being identified, arrested and convicted. It would mandate that authorities collect DNA from every person convicted of a crime, as well as individuals on probation, parole supervision or registered as sex offenders.

Opponents to the collection of DNA samples believe that this action infringes on the rights of those accused of crimes. However, the use of DNA samples in solving crime cases not only helps to convict the guilty, but it will also prevent innocent people from being charged or wrongly convicted of a crime.

Recently in our area, the use of DNA samples proved that former Auburn resident Roy Brown did not commit a murder he was convicted of in 1992. Mr. Brown was released after serving 15 years in state prison.

The DNA database is a powerful tool that can be used to solve crimes, prosecute criminals, and protect innocent victims from being victimized by individuals who repeatedly violate the law. The more information that law enforcement is able to collect, the more accurate their investigations will be and the less likely that they will convict the wrong person of a crime. Expanding the DNA database will not only help law enforcement solve crimes, it will also save the innocent from going to prison for a crime they did not commit.