Connecticut Governor Rell: Anti-Crime Proposals Will Include Funding for Sharp Boost in DNA Sampling

January 31, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her budget proposals will include funding to take DNA samples from any person arraigned on a Class A or Class B felony charge as well as from anyone convicted of a felony, a crime against a minor, a violent or nonviolent sexual offense and certain Class A misdemeanors.

Class A felonies are the most serious crimes, punishable by 10 years in prison or more; Class B felonies are the next level down, punishable by five years in prison or more. The proposal also encompasses such Class A misdemeanors as criminally negligent homicide, third-degree assault and stalking.

“Let me make it clear: Connecticut has run out of patience with crime and criminals,” Governor Rell said. “We will be making the most of the tools at our disposal to put away the people who insist on preying on the good people of our state. One such tool is forensic science – and you don’t have to be a fan of CSI or Law & Order to know how much DNA matching and other technologies have enhanced our ability to identify, track and apprehend criminals, even years after the offenses are committed.

“This bill will strengthen the state’s crime-fighting resources and expand its DNA database,” the Governor said. “It increases the possibility that we will identify people who have committed crimes in the past and improves the chances of catching anyone who commits another offense in the future. And of course it increases the chances that truly innocent people can be cleared. This is a logical and necessary step as we enhance our laws and protect the residents of our state.”

In August 2007, Governor Rell signed a new law eliminating the statute of limitations on six of the most serious sexual assault crimes, reflecting changes in DNA technology that now make it possible to use samples that were previously considered too small or too degraded. Under the change, first-degree sexual assault, aggravated first-degree sexual assault, sexual assault in a spousal or cohabiting relationship, second-degree sexual assault and third-degree sexual assault, with or without a firearm may be prosecuted at any time if the alleged perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence and the crime was reported within five years of the attack.

Connecticut’s DNA database was established in 1993, under a law mandating the collection of a sample from persons convicted of any of seven felony sexual assault crimes. In 1998 the number of crimes requiring DNA collection was increased to 31. In 2003 the database was expanded to include samples from all convicted felons.

The database is maintained by the Department of Public Safety’s Forensic Science Laboratory in Meriden.

Source: Connecticut Governor

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