DNA to link crimes

The FBI will debut a national DNA database today, linking criminals from all 50 states. Advocates say it is a cost-effective way of catching repeat offenders, yet civil libertarians are fearing "big brother" and a governmental abuse of the system.

The FBI has taken innumerable precautions to protect privacy, including implementing a profile system that excludes information of an individual's health and appearance, yet increases the probability of a positive identification of a criminal.

The DNA database is hidden in a secret location and may only be accessed by law enforcement officials, with unauthorized disclosures netting a $100,000 fine.

Because states have no easy way of comparing the DNA of criminals amongst each other, this new system will only increase the FBI's effectiveness, enabling authorities to pin down a repeat offender and determine his or her whereabouts, regardless of location.

Britain has a similar DNA database that has proven to be enormously successful.

Since its inception in 1995, more than 28,000 people have been matched to crimes ranging from rape to car theft and burglary and 6,000 links have been made between different crime scenes.

The right to privacy is one thing, but protecting the identity of a repeat offender is a disservice to society, and is long overdue.