Q&A
Council Member Ayala inquires about NYPD's DNA database
1:57:59
ยท
47 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala questions why the NYPD's DNA database, reportedly containing 82,473 genetic profiles including samples from children, is not listed in the report. Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber explains that the database is maintained by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), not the NYPD, and therefore falls outside the scope of the POST Act.
- Ayala cites media reports about the size and composition of the DNA database
- Gerber clarifies that the database is maintained by OCME, not NYPD
- The deputy commissioner is unable to confirm or comment on the specific numbers cited by Ayala
Diana I. Ayala
1:57:59
My question, however, is on the DNA.
1:58:02
According to media reports, the NYPD's DNA database contains as many as 82,473 genetic profiles, including samples obtained from children.
1:58:11
Why is the DNA database not listed in the report?
1:58:14
And how does the NYPD obtain DNA samples?
Michael Gerber
1:58:18
Right.
1:58:18
So you mean why is it not in the IUPs?
1:58:21
Yes.
1:58:21
Because it's an OCME database, it's not ours.
1:58:24
It's an OCME database.
1:58:26
So it's not an oversight or anything.
1:58:29
It's just because it's maintained by OCME and not by the NYPD, it doesn't fall within the scope of the post act.
Gale Brewer
1:58:34
Okay.
Michael Gerber
1:58:35
And then in terms of the data I also don't have the data here.
1:58:39
I can't really speak to the data you were citing.
Diana I. Ayala
1:58:43
Regarding the numbers?
Michael Gerber
1:58:44
The numbers.
1:58:45
I just don't have that
Diana I. Ayala
1:58:45
in Okay.