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Doleac, Jennifer L.. 2017. "The Effects of DNA Databases on Crime." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics , 9(1):165-201 .

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DOI: 10.1257/app.20150043



Abstract: Every US state has a database of criminal offenders' DNA profiles. These databases receive widespread attention in the media and popular culture, but there has been no rigorous analysis of their impact on crime. This paper intends to fill that gap. I exploit the details and timing of state DNA database expansions in two ways, first to address the effects of DNA profiling on individuals' subsequent criminal behavior and then to address the aggregate effects on crime rates. I show that DNA databases deter crime by profiled offenders, reduce crime rates, and are more cost-effective than traditional law enforcement tools.





Additional links: Data Set (32.53 MB) Online Appendix (7.66 MB) Author Disclosure Statement(s) (23.99 KB) Authors: JEL Classification: H76: State and Local Government: Other Expenditure Categories

K42: Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law 10.1257/app.20150043Every US state has a database of criminal offenders' DNA profiles. These databases receive widespread attention in the media and popular culture, but there has been no rigorous analysis of their impact on crime. This paper intends to fill that gap. I exploit the details and timing of state DNA database expansions in two ways, first to address the effects of DNA profiling on individuals' subsequent criminal behavior and then to address the aggregate effects on crime rates. I show that DNA databases deter crime by profiled offenders, reduce crime rates, and are more cost-effective than traditional law enforcement tools.

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