For Immediate Release:12/20/2016
Contact:
Janine Kava | janine.kava@dcjs.ny.gov | (518) 457-8828
Press Office, Division of Criminal Justice Services | pressinfo@dcjs.ny.gov
New York State Commission on Forensic Science sets special meeting to discuss familial DNA searching
Joint meeting with Commission’s DNA Subcommittee scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Manhattan
Individuals wishing to speak at the meeting must submit written comments by Jan. 18, 2017
ALBANY - The New York State Commission on Forensic Science and its DNA Subcommittee have scheduled a special meeting on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, to discuss familial DNA searching and whether it should be permitted in New York State. The meeting is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1 Centre St., Manhattan, in a meeting space on the north side mezzanine, between the first and second floors of the building.
“There is no question that DNA can help solve crime, obtain justice for victims, guard against wrongful arrests and conviction and exonerate the innocent,” Commission Chairman Michael C. Green said. “The Commission and its DNA Subcommittee look forward to receiving comments from all those interested as we move forward with a thorough review, based on proven science, to determine whether familial searching should be authorized in New York State.”
All individuals who wish to speak at the meeting must submit written comments relevant to the topic in writing by Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017.
The state Division of Criminal Justice Services, which provides staff support to the Commission and Subcommittee, is accepting submissions via e-mail at forensics@dcjs.ny.gov or surface mail to: Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Forensic Services, 80 South Swan St., Albany, New York 12210.
All written comments must be received by the Jan. 18 deadline so Commission and Subcommittee members can receive and review them prior to the joint meeting.
The New York State Commission on Forensic Science and its DNA Subcommittee are looking at whether New York State regulations should be amended to allow familial searching, and if so, under what conditions. Any recommendation by the Subcommittee must be sent to the Commission for action as well.
If the Commission accepts the Subcommittee’s recommendations regarding proposed changes to existing state regulations to permit familial searching, the amended regulations must be published in the State Register for a 45-day public comment period before they are effective.
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Note: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides staff support to the Commission on Forensic Science and its DNA Subcommittee.