We have all watched at least one of the crime scene investigation shows on television. We watch as the stars of each show, based in the cities of Las Vegas, Miami or New York, calmly swab, spray, scrape and search for DNA evidence. The DNA evidence is fed into a computer and a match is made in seconds on TV. The criminal suspect is identified, their picture is displayed on the computer screen along with the details of where they live and work.
All that is missing on TV now is actor Jack Lord grunting “Book ‘em, Danno!” to his young second-in-command, actor James MacArthur from the series ‘Hawaii Five-0.'
Well that is fiction, but in 2003, the John Doe Indictment Project began citywide. This initiative uses DNA evidence gathered from unidentified sex criminals to indict them before they are apprehended. This prevents sex offenders from avoiding prosecution because the statute of limitations for the crime has expired.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown was able to apprehend and prosecute an alleged rapist in a 1996 Howard Beach case. DNA evidence recovered from the then 21-year-old victim was positively matched to that of an ex-police officer who had provided his DNA sample in an unrelated case.
Bravo to DA Brown and his investigators who continued the search for the rapist. Bravo to the victim too, who immediately called 9-1-1 and submitted to a hospital administered rape kit for DNA testing. Her quick actions following her terrible ordeal were paramount in the capture and prosecution of her assailant.
The City and State must continue to build their DNA data banks and share and link them with other states so that DNA evidence - which is irrefutable scientific proof of guilt or innocence - will grow as an effective law enforcement tool to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.
Racoon Baiting Danger
Growing numbers of rabid raccoons being found in Queens and Long Island has prompted the New York State Department of Health to begin a program of baiting to combat the dangerous virus. The Department of Health is currently distributing the bait - small brown fishmeal cubes filled with a packet of liquid rabies vaccine - which can be easily ingested by pets and children.
The bait will immunize raccoons to rabies and prevent the spread of the deadly disease to other humans and animals. When consumed by dogs and cats, the vaccine cubes may cause some vomiting. However if eaten by a human, medical attention should be sought immediately.
The vaccine does not contain rabies but it does contain another virus that can cause small pox-like blistering rashes and in rare cases infection, so if anyone finds one of the 12,500 bait blocks they should not handle it but kick it beneath nearby trees or shrubs.
The Queens neighborhoods of Little Neck, Bayside, Douglaston, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Oakland Gardens, Bellerose, Hollis Hills and Queens Village will be affected. The program started on September 13 and will continue through September 23.
Keep your pets on a leash and an eye on your younger children and share this warning with your families.
