By Aneesa Grant, The Tacoma True Citizen
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently announced a significant milestone in his lawfully mandated DNA project, with more than 2,000 new profiles successfully added to the national DNA database since the initiative’s inception.
Ferguson’s office has partnered with local law enforcement agencies across the state to collect DNA samples from sex offenders, violent offenders, and individuals convicted of serious felonies who are legally required to provide samples as part of their criminal convictions, but have failed to comply. Notably, the Attorney General’s Office does not directly handle the collection or testing of sexual assault kits.
As of now, an impressive count of 2,061 new profiles has been integrated into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), since the inception of the project in collaboration with the Department of Justice. Within this achievement, 76 profiles have produced a “hit,” signifying that the DNA profile of an offender has matched DNA evidence already present in the database.
These new “hits” can help identify perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders and other crimes in our state and around the country.
“Collecting the DNA of thousands of serious offenders will help us solve more cold cases,” Ferguson said. “This work makes communities safer and sends the message that we will use every tool at our disposal to bring justice to survivors and victims of these devastating crimes.”
The State of Washington mandates that numerous offenders found guilty of sex offenses and severe crimes must provide their DNA as part of their conviction terms. Nearly four years ago, Ferguson initiated the DNA project to gather samples from violent and sex offenders in the state who had evaded compliance with this obligation.
The project began by collecting samples from currently registered sex offenders and those supervised by the Washington State Department of Corrections, encompassing both incarcerated and community custody individuals. Subsequently, DNA was obtained from offenders convicted of sex, kidnapping, and homicide offenses.
Currently, the endeavor is focused on gathering samples from individuals convicted of various violent and felony offenses, including assault and robbery.
The Attorney General’s Office estimates that there are numerous violent offenders residing in Washington who are legally obligated to provide their DNA samples.
The task of identifying offenders who haven’t yet provided DNA samples is complex and requires a meticulous investigative process. The Attorney General’s Office employs a series of steps to locate these individuals who have fallen through the system.
Initially, investigators from the office’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) utilize data from the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Corrections to identify violent and sex offenders who are yet to provide DNA. Once identified, the investigators verify whether these offenders already have a DNA profile in CODIS. Additionally, they scrutinize the offenders’ conviction histories to confirm their obligation to provide DNA samples.
Further investigations involve cross-referencing databases to ascertain the current location of these individuals within the state and their ability to provide a sample. Last known contact information is acquired to reach out to the remaining offenders.
The office sends letters to the offenders, requesting them to comply with the law by reporting to local law enforcement to provide their DNA samples. Non-compliance is emphasized as a violation of state law. In cases where letters receive no response, AGO staff directly engage with the offenders and collaborate with local law enforcement to establish contact.
To address the challenge of individuals evading their obligation to provide DNA samples, a new law came into effect on July 23. Originating from the recommendation of the Attorney General’s Office Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Advisory Group, House Bill 1028 directs courts to establish protocols for DNA collection upon sentencing. The law requires courts to establish a sample collection system, including scheduling compliance hearings within 10 days if DNA collection isn’t executed at the time of sentencing. This measure ensures that the backlog of offenders who owe DNA is prevented from growing.
Ferguson has urged local judges to adhere to the new law, emphasizing compliance to prevent the backlog issue from persisting and inquiring about their implementation of local protocols.
