Facts about New York’s DNA database – Wall Street Journal
AP —The database was established in 1996 and is considered police property. It was expanded four times as specific crimes were added to the list of those requiring DNA samples upon conviction. —DNA is collected from each person convicted of a felony …
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP79a0a0c483cd48e1b01bdcaa2b1be11b.html