NYPD officials grilled over DNA database reforms

City Councilmembers attacked the NYPD for using controversial DNA collection methods and an “unregulated database” of people’s genetic info during a hearing Tuesday — as the department’s top detective tried to reassure lawmakers that new reforms are in place.

“The government shouldn’t be stealing residents’ DNA,” Public Safety Committee Chair Donovan Richards said as he opened the hearing, threatening the NYPD with legislation to oversee its use.

The city’s DNA database of suspects — which contains genetic information on about 32,000 people, including around 1,600 minors — came under fire last year after cops collected DNA from hundreds of black men to investigate the brutal death of Karina Vetrano in a Queens Park.

The database is maintained by the city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner, not the NYPD.

But the NYPD has been criticized for questionable tactics in obtaining the DNA, such as lifting genetic info from a suspect’s water bottle or drinking cup without their consent.

Chief of Detective Rodney Harrison, appearing at his first hearing in his new role, said DNA evidence is “instrumental when used legally” and pointed to new changes to help provide transparency.

“If someone is a suspect of a crime, our job is to protect the victims… if we need to use technology to bring us in the right direction, then that’s what we are going to do,” Harrison said.

The reform, announced last week, changes the consent form for collection and sets up a review process for DNA that’s been in the database for more than two years — while making it easier for those acquitted to have their info removed.

“This process creates multiple off-ramps and exits from the local database,” Harrison said.

But the top detective conceded, “There’s some room for improvement” — and was disappointed in the detail of data collected on the index of genetic markers, including the racial breakdown of whose DNA recorded.

“We have to do a stronger evaluation,” Harrison said, noting that the NYPD would put out a public report on the database purges.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson tried to distance her office from the outrage last year, saying, “We need to balance the needs of law enforcement and civil liberties.”

“We are the scientific entity and must remain independent,” she added.

Richards, though, said OCME should share some of the blame.

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