Evidence of DNA left at crime scenes is the most scientifically accurate way of determining the identity of a crime's perpetrator. It also expands the odds of catching bad guys, since many are not considerate enough to leave behind fingerprints.

Almost all states require DNA sampling for sex offenders, and partly as a result, the FBI has created a national DNA database. But DNA evidence is also available in a wide variety of crimes. So why not expand DNA testing of criminals convicted of other heinous crimes as well?

That is the conclusion reached by the Colorado Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), which has developed legislation sponsored by state Representatives Jennifer Veiga and Dan Grossman of Denver to initiate collection of DNA samples for criminals convicted of murder, assault, kidnapping, arson, burglary, or aggravated robbery. This legislation, (House Bill 1235), has been reported out of a House committee, and is drawing bipartisan support.

These DNA samples will augment efforts to track down sex offenders, since many have committed other crimes. However, expanded DNA testing will also help crime-fighting across the board, especially as techniques for identifying DNA evidence at crime scenes improve.

Some people react negatively to the idea of DNA testing because of its novelty, and probably because of fears unrelated to the use of DNA evidence in court -- particularly fears about cloning. But there is no reason to fear collection of a type of evidence that is really just the biological equivalent of a fingerprint, and every reason to support an initiative that could help victims of violent crime obtain justice.