DNA database at center of controversy

Los Angeles -- A DNA database used by the FBI to identify suspects may have faulty data and should be opened to increased scrutiny, U.S. experts say.

David Faigman, a professor at University of California-Hastings College of the Law, said any time DNA results come into question, a thorough investigation should be conducted to ensure such databases are accurate, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

"DNA is terrific and nobody doubts it, but because it is so powerful, any chinks in its armor ought to be made as salient and clear as possible so jurors will not be overwhelmed by the seeming certainty of it," Faigman said.

Questions regarding the federal DNA database arose after Arizona crime laboratory analyst Kathryn Troyer found mathematically questionable results in the FBI database.

The Times said officials at the FBI laboratory allegedly attempted to repress Troyer's findings.

However, news of the case was released and it prompted lawyers nationwide to request similar investigations into state DNA databases to find any potential irregularities, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.