Recently, DNA tests were cited in clearing JonBenet Ramsey’s parents and brother in her killing in 1996. The authority of DNA testing may set them free from the cloud of suspicion, even though the girl’s mother, Patsy Ramsey, died before the vindication arrived.

There are cases in which people are sent to prison or even to death row only to be found innocent through DNA testing. The horror of falsely convicted people facing death sentences or years in jail has led to many states pushing for DNA testing.

Mississippi has joined that push and the Legislature created a task force to study the collection and preservation of DNA evidence.

The collection and preservation of DNA evidence varies from county to county in Mississippi. The task force is to recommend statewide standards from collection and preservation of samples to training for law enforcement personnel.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, all 50 states require that convicted sex offenders provide DNA samples. Mississippi is one of 45 states requiring convicted felons to provide DNA samples.

Lawmakers must address other aspects of DNA collection, such as when is a person required to give a sample? A dozen states now authorize taking samples from some of those arrested, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The conference also reports that 11 states specify certain misdemeanor convictions are subject to DNA testing.

The states vary widely in DNA procedures except for the testing of those convicted of felonies. Since criminals do not stay within one state, it would seem there is a need for a national standard on DNA collection and preservation.

Perhaps the most controversial side of DNA evidence collection is whether it should apply to anyone arrested. There have been genetic dragnets conducted in which suspects are required to provide DNA samples. Those sampled can include friends, family, acquaintances and others linked to a crime victim. The samples are then entered into a database and compared to other crimes. The cost of such a dragnet may prevent it from becoming of widespread use, at least for now.

The best outcome of DNA testing is when criminals are caught or the innocent proven so. The Legislature is taking the right step in studying this important source of evidence and establishing uniformity.

— The Mississippi Press, Pascagoula