The United States already has the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This database uses DNA samples taken from arrested or convicted persons submitted by federal, state, and local agencies to help identify suspects in crimes. You can read more about this database at the following links:

• CODIS Brochure: https://www.fbi.gov/?came_from=https%3A//www.fbi.gov/file-repository/combined-dna-index-system-codis-brochure.pdf
• Frequently Asked Questions on CODIS and NDIS: https://www.fbi.gov/resources/dna-fingerprint-act-of-2005-expungement-policy/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet

For this discussion, consider if the nation would be better able to solve a crime if DNA samples were required to be submitted to a national DNA databank at birth and then provide responses to the following three prompts:

1. Do you agree with a national DNA databank for DNA samples to be collected at birth and stored?
2. If this type of national DNA databank was to be created, would you agree with each person now, no matter their age, being required to submit a DNA sample to the national database? Why or why not? What would be the positive and negative aspects of this?
3. Give at least one example of when DNA was used to identify a suspect in an active or cold case and at least one example of when DNA was mishandled and improperly exposed.