Missing Persons DNA Database

In accordance with Section 14250 of the California Penal Code, DOJ is developing a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) database for all cases involving the report of an unidentified deceased person or a high-risk missing person. This bill provides for the development of the database, the laboratory infrastructure, and protocols during 2001 and requires DOJ to begin case analysis in 2002. Law enforcement staff will collect samples for DNA analysis voluntarily submitted by family members or relatives of the missing person, and the coroner will collect samples from the unidentified deceased. Those samples will be sent to DOJ for DNA analysis and comparison. This DNA sample is to be used only for the purpose of identifying the missing person. No incentive or coercion shall be used to compel a parent or relative to provide a sample.