Crime & Safety
Piermont's O'Shea Supports DNA Initiative
Governor, police groups seeks to expand state DNA database
New York State governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing for an initiatve that would mandate all state residents convicted of a crime provide a DNA sample to authorities.
And Michael O'Shea, , says that's a big step forward for local police.
Currently, only 48-percent of convicted felons in the state are required to submit a DNA sample, along with individuals found guilty of 36 types of misdemeanors.
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In a news conference Tuesday, O'Shea, along with lieutenant governor Robert Duffy, Rockland Sheriff Louis Falco and a host of other local law enforcement agencies, called for Cuomo's expansion.
"DNA has cleared innocent people, and it helps us in law enforcement investigations," O'Shea said.
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O'Shea also spoke on behalf of the Rockland Police Chiefs Association, .
"The RPCA strongly supports the [initiative]. There's no downside to this... We're proud to stand with our colleagues in support of the governor's proposal."
Currently, are using DNA evidence to solve a .
The plan must pass through the state assembly successfully to progress, and could go into effect this fall.
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