Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced a significant milestone in his lawfully owed DNA project, with 3,000 DNA profiles of serious criminal offenders now added to the national database. This initiative aims to ensure that offenders who are legally required to provide DNA samples comply with their obligations, as many have failed to do so over the years.
The project, which began in October 2019, addresses the gap in DNA collection. The newly collected samples play a crucial role in identifying perpetrators of unsolved violent crimes both within Washington and across the United States. Among these new profiles, 105 have resulted in matches with existing evidence in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), potentially linking serial rapists and shedding light on cold cases.
Ferguson emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “We must ensure that every serious offender who legally owes a DNA sample provides one.” He highlighted how collaboration with local law enforcement has strengthened public safety by increasing available evidence for crime-solving.
Thousands of violent offenders in Washington still need to submit their DNA samples. Ferguson's office works diligently to prevent these individuals from evading their legal responsibilities. Initially focusing on registered sex offenders and those under state supervision, the office is now expanding efforts to include various other violent and felony offenses.
A recent legislative change supports this effort. House Bill 1028 mandates courts to establish protocols for timely DNA collection upon sentencing. This law addresses previous gaps but does not cover thousands of outstanding samples ordered before its enactment.
The Attorney General’s Office employs a detailed investigative process involving data analysis from multiple sources to locate offenders who owe DNA samples. Offenders receive notification letters urging compliance under state law, with further outreach conducted if necessary.
This project is part of Ferguson's Survivor Justice Unit (SJU), formerly known as the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The SJU has already contributed to solving numerous cold cases involving sexual assaults and homicides. To continue supporting these efforts, Ferguson has requested $534,000 for the upcoming biennium.